The EMA's Environmental Police Unit (EPU), together with officers from the Arouca Police Station, recently met with Lamel Lumsden at his "star house" residence at Savannah Drive, Tacarigua. Lumsden hosts events regularly at his home and residents have long complained about the noise coming from his property, as well as other safety and security concerns. Subsequent to their protests, Lumsden made a verbal contract with his neighbours to provide advance notice of events taking place at his home but had recently ceased to uphold that agreement. Complaints were lodged again with the local police, the EMA and the media.
During their discussion with Lumsden, the police officers informed him his actions constituted a public nuisance under the Summary Offences Act and they also advised him of the Noise Pollution Control Rules (NPCR). A decision was reached between the law enforcers and Lumsden whereby no future events will be hosted at the house. Lumsden was warned that failure to comply would result in immediate halting of the event upon receiving a complaint from any resident. Managing director/CEO of the EMA, Dr Joth Singh, said he was pleased with the efforts of the EPU with respect to noise management.
Dr Singh said there was a great opportunity for collaboration between the EPU and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. Since noise management falls under several other pieces of legislation, in addition to the NPCR, any police officer in T&T can apply the accompanying enforcement action. Last Saturday, residents contacted the EPU about an event at the house despite the warning. The EPU and Arouca Police arrived on the scene and stopped the event, much to the appreciation of the residents of the area. The EPU and Arouca Police are continuing to monitor the situation.