Police Officers in all 12 policing divisions will commence intense training aimed at garnering the necessary skills to respond to noise-related complaints in a consistent and professional manner. This was one issue that was addressed during an engagement between the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to tackle noise nuisance across the country. The engagement on Monday formed part of ongoing efforts under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two agencies, with a focus on improving the Police Force’s capacity to effectively respond to complaints involving excessive noise. As part of the collaboration, police ranks will receive specialised training in the handling of noise nuisance complaints, including the proper use of equipment to measure and assess noise levels. The initiative will also ensure that the equipment is properly calibrated and that ranks responsible for its use are adequately trained. The collaboration between the GPF and EPA is expected to promote greater compliance with regulations governing noise levels across the country. The EPA continues to strengthen its enforcement of noise pollution regulations through a closer collaboration with the GPF – a move that will allow the Police to officially charge individuals under the agency’s regulations.

The GEA had explained that this collaboration is part of a wider effort to ensure better compliance and accountability in addressing noise nuisance cases, which remain a persistent concern, particularly in urban and residential areas. The fines attached to noise pollution offences are substantial – ranging from $300,000 to $750,000 depending on the severity of the violation. Meanwhile, the EPA urged citizens, especially business owners and vehicle operators, to adhere to the Environmental Protection (Noise Management) Regulations, emphasising that enforcement will intensify once the new arrangements with the Police Force are finalised.