Government is giving teeth to the long expected Noise Control Act, 2006. The act will come into effect from September 1 and seeks to address the problem being faced by a number of persons in the country about the high level of noise emanating from nearby homes or night clubs particularly at nights.

The Noise Control Act was passed in the House of Parliament on May 25 and provides for the regulation and control of noise throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

During a press conference on Monday, Chief Environmental Health Officer, Andre Worme said that the Ministry of Health is happy to see the commencement of the implementation of the act.

He noted that over the years and within recent weeks a number of persons have called the ministry to report noise nuisance emanating from street jams and or individuals within the neighbourhood who infringe on their rights to enjoy the comfort of their homes.

According to Worme, apart from the public nuisance the ministry is also concerned about the occupational health aspect of noise and the kind of effects and impact that noise can have on human beings. He pointed out that research has indicated that exposure to noise level higher than 90 decibels for an hour or more can result in hearing loss.

Worme said that these are findings they have to pay particular attention to. He stressed that the issue of neighbourhood noise continues to be a major problem, but with the new legislation in effect it could be dealt with. It is hoped that Grenada will be a better place to live with less conflicts as created by noise, he added.

Worme indicated that the Ministry of Health had collaborated with a number of organisations with respect to the implementation of the Act, one of which is the Citizens Against Noise. The six-year old organisation was represented at the press conference by former President, George Grant who said that after a long tedious climb, the organisation was finally able to get government to see the need for legislation to be put in place to address the problem of unbearable noise.

The act makes exemptions for the police, fire-brigade, ambulance or other emergency vehicles, as well as persons communicating on a vessel, and noise caused by a loudspeaker during the Carnival period.

In the case of persons operating a loudspeaker for the holding of any public or political meeting, this can go on no later than 11.00 p.m. except during a period of elections when the operation of a loudspeaker for the holding of a political meeting can go up to midnight.

For loudspeakers operated in dance halls, located within 200 yds of any dwelling house, guest house or hotel, the level of noise should be reasonable at all times. It also stipulated that the operation of the loudspeaker or musical instrument could be turned down to a level determined by the Commissioner of Police by 2.00 a.m. except during the Carnival period.

Any person found guilty of an offence under the newly implemented Act could be charged and brought to court. In the case of a first offence, the law provides for a $250.00 fine, a second offence is for a fine not exceeding $500,00 or to imprisonment for 6 months or both.

A person who commits a third offence under the act will face a fine not exceeding $1,000.00 or to imprisonment for nine months or to both; and for a fourth infringement - imprisonment for 12 months. This week has been labelled as "Noise Reduction Week" by the Ministry of Health.

A similar legislation dealing with loud music on transportation was recently implemented on the island.