THE EDITOR, Sir:

I WISH to direct the following to the attention of the Prime Minister:

Dear Prime Minister,

Night noise has become a nuisance, especially for those residing in areas where establishments have been permitted liquor licences, and are allowed to play loud music night after night with complete disregard to the law, and contempt for those residing in the area. It is astounding that these establishments have more rights than those who have been residing in these areas long before these licences were issued. It is even more astonishing that these establishments are allowed to set up on the doorstep of residential homes.

There are 74 privately owned apartments at Fisherman's Point, Ocho Rios, occupants of which are subjected, night after night, to the constant racket coming from Ocean's 11 and Margaritaville which continues until early in the morning, sometimes until 3:00 a.m. These establishments are a stone's throw from our homes, yet they are permitted to make unbearable noise, as it has become apparent that they are a law unto themselves.

Unfortunately for those residing at Fisherman's Point, there is no respite, as this commotion continues on weekdays and weekends. The volume of the music is maddening and completely unacceptable for those of us living in the area; however, not for the authorities, or Ocean's 11 and Margaritaville's owners, as their homes are not in the vicinity of these venues.

This has been an ongoing issue, with numerous complaints being made over the years to the establishments, the police, Chamber of Commerce, and the strata's executive committee, and is regularly highlighted on the Internet, which clearly has been to no avail.

Desperate

Along with these establishments has come rowdy patrons, undesirable individuals who wander the area, and reckless drivers who use the road directly outside Fisherman's Point as a racing track, or continually rev their engines - they too join in with the noise, playing loud music from their cars.

It is through desperation that I write to you as residents and guests at the property are finding it impossible to remain at Fisherman's Point because of a few selfish individuals who have complete disregard for others, as they don't care about our inability to sleep at night because of their noise. It is about time that they are made to care, and it is about time that Government ensures that our right to peace and quiet is upheld.

I am, etc.,

DOREEN RHODEN

rhodendoreen@yahoo.com