BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The Barbados government has tabled legislation in the Parliament providing a fixed penalty of BDS$500 (One BDS$=US$0.50 cents) for any person found guilty of flying any kite with any object which creates noise, especially at night.
Attorney General Dale Marshall, who tabled an amendment to the Minor Offences Act, said. At the same time, most citizens love the Barbadian pastime of kite flying, but the current situation of punishingly loud kites being flown in the dead of night needs to be addressed.
The legislation also allows for any person who flies or causes to be flown any kite that causes noise between the hours of 7.00 pm and 6.00 am (local time) to be guilty of an offense and liable on summary conviction to the BDS$500 fixed penalty.
“Recently, what has become a persistent bother to many Barbadians, is what we used to find pleasurable, entertaining, and relaxing a long time ago. Today, and for quite some time, we have individuals who make kites and stake them out at night. They hover over individuals’ residences, making a loud and troublesome noise,” Marshall told legislators of the kite known as “‘bulls.”
While some argue that attitudes towards the sport may have changed compared to years gone by, it was clear for most Barbadians that the loud noises heard during the night had long become a nuisance and a burden to many.
“I am not going to dispute that the attitudes of Barbadians towards things have changed, but it is an absolute fact that there are individuals who are forced to suffer under the burden of the loudest of noises straight through the night, in a way that affects their ability to sleep… it affects their ability to function in normal ways, [and] it affects their health.”
Marshall said the amendment is aimed strictly at dealing with noisy kites at night and should not be seen as an attack on the island’s heritage.
“This administration, of which we are all a part, has absolutely no interest in rooting out a great part of Barbados’ culture and heritage. We are interested in making sure that our society operates in a way that has a balance. People have a right to enjoy their heritage and build on it, but it has to be done in such a way that it still respects the rights of individuals.”
The Attorney General said the government, which controls all 30 seats in the Parliament, would soon be tabling legislation to penalize property owners who do not clean their various plots, which often presents a health hazard.
He said the current administration intends to address several “minor” issues Barbadians have raised for some time.
“We are concluding the work on the legislation intended to compel individuals to clean up their properties because you may say, ‘this is my property, so you don’t have to come in at me.’ But the effect and impact of you not keeping your property clean can create health hazards for other individuals and not just the unsightly nature of your place.”
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