Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath has confirmed that Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin will take the lead in discussions with promoters and event stakeholders on appropriate venues to host their events.
Minister Padarath addressed media questions on Thursday regarding Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar’s decision to restrict the Brian Lara Cricket Academy and other UDeCOTT venues in residential areas exclusively to sporting activities, banning fetes.
“There will be dialogue, obviously, but there must be alternatives to the current usage of UDeCOTT facilities, and I think that is what the Honourable Prime Minister is saying – that there must be zones as well. There must be alternative spaces. It cannot be interfering with people’s rest and comfort in terms of these facilities that are within residential areas.”
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, via social media, said fireworks legislation and enhanced noise pollution laws would be introduced by the end of this year.
Minister of Land and Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein confirmed that the process has begun.
“In fact, we have the legislation being worked on by the Law Reform Commission. It’s in its final stages, and that is legislation that will also come to the Parliament as promised by the Prime Minister.”
The enhanced legislation will also regulate designated quiet hours, as well as new restrictions on fetes, music trucks, residential parties, and bars.