On the night of November 14, there was a fete at the National Stadium advertised as a "J'Ouvert fete" that commenced at midnight and ended at 9 am the next day.
It is important to consider the location of the stadium because it is almost surrounded by residential areas and a hotel–all accommodating people who normally are asleep in this time period and who, presumably, have certain rights to such sleep and undisturbed peace.
The sound system was set to amplify the bass notes of the "music" enormously, so that at this frequency sound travelled considerable distance.
It should also be noted that low frequency vibrations are able to penetrate through steel, concrete and wood, so causing the maximum disturbance (and hearing damage) to all who had the misfortune to be subjected to this invasion of normal privacy.
Presumably decibel measurements taken to satisfy whatever limits are set by the EMA do not detect these frequencies (or else nobody bothered to set limits or check). So the hooligan who was responsible for the live sound, or the DJ, was able to blast Port-of-Spain residents with the most hearing-damaging noise they could muster and suffer no consequences whatever. I was unable to sleep in an air-conditioned bedroom in Glencoe, as was a house guest who was imminently due for a triple by-pass operation.
As a side comment I must note that this drumming low frequency vibration kept changing every few seconds, so there was no actual "music" available to patrons who for some reason pretended to enjoy such horrible animal squawks and primeval shouts that are offered as music these days.
I note with dismay that such performers are praised as "entrepreneurs" or "artistes" these days which all tends to degrade our genuine local music and national reputation.
Now since this "J'Ouvert" function had to get some form of approval I must query what was in the minds of those charged with the responsibility of approving such an assault on normal civilised life? Surely their function is to prevent such occurrences and protect the citizenry.
Does a magistrate give these approvals and, if so, how does the citizenry know of the application in time to make objections. Does the Chief Justice not have any views on such laxity in his magistracy? Is it advertised, if so where and when and how do we object?
Why do we have to object? Surely any magistrate hearing the application is aware that the area is residential and the noise emanating from the function will be unbearable.
What about the EMA? Yes, those folks who don't work on weekends when you need them most, and want you to submit your complaint in writing at 1 am on a Saturday night.
What were they doing when the application was presented? Then there's the matter of the management of the stadium who surely are a government body and know full well that the intention is to blast out Port-of-Spain, do they have no intelligent policies and guidelines?
Why would they permit any noise-making function after midnight?
This general disregard extends to private vehicle owners who load up with loudspeakers and drive around terrorising the public, and the ever-increasing presence of party-boats (more "entrepreneurs") who cruise into every quiet bay and private resort house to blast away those who live and holiday there.
The matter acquires increased importance now as we near Carnival and more "organisers" (read greedy, uncivilised charlatans) will be latching onto this "J'Ouvert" excuse to plague us with more unbearable noise.
As I understand J'Ouvert it is an established tradition that is held on one night in the year music and great old rhythms are allowed to start the festivities.
This tradition developed in the days before super-blasting amplification was available and everyone had a good time. In today's world where every fete is a health-threatening event, without any possibility of conversation, and poses such severe problems to those who do not attend, much greater vigilance and control by the authorities is required.
Reg Potter
Glencoe