In recent times, the complaints against noise in general, and loud "music"in particular, have been deafening.

Now I see that the promoters of West Indies cricket, via their television advertisements, are telling the world that we are a "loud" people, and proud of it, too.

I mean, I can understand boasting, whether true or not, that we are "passionate", "dedicated", "unified" and "talented". But, "loud", WICB? I'm sure many of your most loyal supporters, like me, cringe at the thought of being labelled "loud".

So it seems that, contrary to what the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) tells us, many people, even those in authority, do believe that "loudness" is our culture. Which makes the EMA's work that much more difficult.

Having said that, what has also emerged is even more complaints against the toothless EMA who, apparently, believes that the noise makers are busy reading their ads in the newspapers or watching them on TV, and will be so chastened that they will immediately stop the noise.

No, EMA, what you need is enforcement. Telling us that "noise is not our culture" is pathetic. The peaceful citizens know this but, by definition, noise is the culture of the noisemakers. So you must force them to stop making noise or face dire consequences.

Your ads must state the penalties for making noise. Confiscation of equipment would be a good start with filing charges to follow. The majority of law-abiding citizens are behind you and don't you worry that the offenders might escape if they get someone to write a nice testimonial on their behalf.

Noel Kalicharan

via e-mail