The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) Police Unit, in collaboration with the Port-of-Spain City Police, conducted a joint exercise along Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook, earlier this month. The seven-member team of the unit was among the 38 police officers who addressed and issued tickets for various breaches of noise pollution, traffic offences, public health inspections and other offences. A statement from the EMA said one of the core objectives for this joint exercise was the enforcement of the Noise Pollution Control Rules (NPCR). Several popular businesses on Ariapita Avenue were forced to stop their music which was found to be over the prescribed noise levels. 

The EMA said the noise levels recorded were found to be well over the required rating of 115 decibels for the area. The statement said the EMA was resolute in its work to protect citizens from the nuisance that is noise. The EMA said while T&T had a music-loving culture, to the babies, children and elderly, loud and excessive noise can be detrimental. Managing Director/CEO of the EMA, Dr Joth Singh was quoted in the statement as saying that “the Environmental Police Unit of the EMA, has been working to control noise under the NPCR, and other pieces of legislation available to police officers in the country.” Singh said the EMA had in fact made and continues to make many interventions on behalf of the public with issues relating to noise.