Resolution met regarding noise dispute in English Harbour

An agreement has been made between homeowners and business operators in the English Harbour area.

A meeting was held this week with homeowners, business operators and representatives from the National Parks to address the matter which has become a major dispute when a DJ posted a video from Abracadabra nightclub showing patrons protesting after police ordered the music stopped at 1 am.

The incident sparked widespread debate about balancing the needs of the tourism industry with residents’ quality of life.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne responded on social media, promising to address the issue.

MP for the St. Pauls area, E.P. Chet Greene had detailed his proposal during his parliament presentation.

That proposal has been agreed upon by Cabinet.

Greene outlined a tiered approach to managing noise in the tourism hotspot.

He recommended a quiet period beginning just after midnight or 1 am on weeknights and Sundays, allowing residents rest during the work week.

For Fridays and Saturdays, he proposed extended hours during peak periods to accommodate the entertainment industry. During sailing week and regattas, all days would be treated like Friday and Saturday, with extended hours throughout the event.

Following discussions, parties can now operate until 3 am on weekends and during the sailing week and regattas.

“Now there was also consideration for activities during the daytime and so the Cabinet said that there shall be no noise nuisance during daytime hours and sound levels must remain within acceptable limits at all times,” Cabinet Spokesperson Maurice Merchant explained.

Cabinet agreed that operators are required to adjust and calibrate sound systems to reduce sound travel and minimise noise pollution. External speaker placement and excessive amplification are discouraged.

Music volumes should be managed in a manner that allows patrons to enjoy entertainment without unduly affecting nearby residences and hotels.

It was also agreed that the National Parks Authority in collaboration with the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, they will act as the custodians of this new framework.

“Operators who fail to comply may be subjected to warnings in the first instance, penalties thereafter or further enforcement action for continued violations of the articles of this framework. The National Parks Authority will be responsible for issuing approvals for special events and for notifying the community in advance when extended hours are authorised,” Merchant added.

The arrangements will be reviewed after an initial period considering the impact of major events such as Sailing Week. Adjustments may be made based on compliance levels, community feedback and overall effectiveness of the framework.