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the recent ban on events at the Hasely Crawford stadium and Brian Lara Cricket Academy has been hailed as a crucial breakthrough in Trinidad and Tobago’s ongoing battle against noise pollution.
Citizens Against Noise Pollution TT (CANPTT), a grassroots organisation advocating for stronger regulation, describes the move as a sign of the will long absent in addressing a public health crisis that affects thousands.
In an exclusive interview, Tamara Chatar, Vice President of External Affairs and Public Relations for CANPTT, expressed optimism. “We are in full support of this action,” she said. “For over a decade, there has been a lack of political will to confront noise pollution head-on. This ban signifies that our voices, and those of the many residents suffering in silence, are finally being heard.”
Founded in 2021 by Josie Ache, CANPTT swiftly grew from a personal protest into a national movement. Ache was driven by the realisation that many citizens were suffering from unregulated noise—from late-night parties to illegal modifications of vehicles—that severely impacted their quality of life.
Chatar highlighted the organisation’s role in influencing policy. “We have appeared before the Joint Select Committee in 2022, participated in Police Town Hall meetings across the island, and engaged with local authorities over the years,” she explained. “Our community testimonies and data have been integral in shaping the national conversation on noise regulation.”
Chatar described noise pollution as more than an annoyance—it’s a “public health crisis” with real physical and psychological consequences.
“Research shows that long-term exposure can lead to cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbance, hearing loss, and increased stress levels,” she said.
“Our members have reported symptoms similar to PTSD—some are on antidepressants or anxiety medication—and we even documented a case where noise was linked to contemplated suicide.”
She added, “This isn’t a seasonal or occasional problem; it’s a persistent, year-round assault on our communities, affecting families, children, elders, and shift workers alike.”
While large festivals often grab headlines, Chatar pointed out that the everyday sources of noise are equally disruptive.
“Bars and clubs operating with nightclub-level sound systems in residential areas, modified vehicles with illegal exhausts, private parties without permits, and commercial operations like auto shops and audio stores—these all contribute to the constant din,” she said.
“Animal noises from neglected pets and outdoor religious practices, tassa and pan also add to the relentless noise burden. Together, these sources create a 24/7 environment of stress that fuels sleep deprivation, anxiety, and long-term health problems,” she emphasised.
Quiet-time laws
A key issue, according to Chatar, is the “lack of clarity” and coordination between the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).
“The EMA states that noise from residential areas falls under the Summary Offences Act, which the police enforce, but the TTPS claims they have no noise meters,” she explained. “Meanwhile, the EMA is severely understaffed—about 14 officers for the entire country—and they don’t accept readings from other devices, which makes enforcement practically impossible.”
She continued, “The EMA’s operating hours don’t cover after-hours noise, and their response times are long.”
Chatar said CANPTT advocates for “quiet-time laws”—local regulations that set specific hours when noise must be kept to a minimum—and for fines that are proportional to an offender’s income.
“This would ensure penalties are meaningful and deterrent,” she explained. “It’s about moving us into first-world compliance with regard to noise regulation.”
Addressing the argument that loud music is part of T&T’s culture, Chatar responded by saying: “All first-world countries regulate their noise from festivals,” she said. “In London’s Notting Hill Carnival, sound systems must comply with strict decibel limits, and loud music must shut off by a certain time. Blasting music at 2 a.m. in residential neighbourhoods is not culture—it’s noise pollution.”
“Culture must evolve to respect community health,” she added. “Respecting quiet hours doesn’t diminish our cultural identity—it protects our communities.”
Chatar emphasised that the rights of promoters and business owners to earn a living can coexist with residents’ right to peace. “This is not an either-or situation,” she said. “It’s about legality, responsibility, and mutual respect. Venues should be soundproofed, and events should follow decibel monitoring and community consultation.”
“When everyone plays by the rules,” she concluded, “we can have vibrant entertainment sectors and peaceful neighbourhoods—both thriving without conflict.”
Chatar expressed appreciation for the role of media outlets like The Catholic News in raising awareness.
“Faith leaders play a powerful role in shaping empathy and conscience,” she observed. “When religious voices speak to compassion, community responsibility, and caring for one another, people listen differently. It reaches the heart before it reaches policy.”
“We are encouraging all religious leaders, across all denominations, to speak openly about the need to protect our neighbours and treat each other with dignity. Sometimes facts alone are not enough; people must feel the suffering of their fellow man to understand the urgency. If we can bring empathy back into this national conversation, real change becomes possible.”
Chatar remains hopeful. “This is a pivotal moment,” she said. “With continued community engagement, enforcement reform, and shared responsibility, we can finally address this long-standing crisis and restore peace to our neighbourhoods.”
