Barbican Square tranquillity being violated by party establishment

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing not just as a concerned citizen, but as a resident, on behalf of my community, whose right to peace, rest, and security has been steadily eroded by the unchecked establishment of nightlife businesses in residential zones – most notably an open-air establishment in Barbican Square.

Imagine living in a time when, upon calling the police to report a noise disturbance in your own community, the response is, “It’s a business.” As if the existence of a business – regardless of location, zoning approval, or community impact – automatically invalidates the rights of the people who live nearby. This is the lived reality for residents like myself, and it raises a troubling question: Are the rights of working-class Jamaicans being casually traded for convenience, commerce, or connections?

The ongoing operations of this open-air nightclub have transformed what should be a peaceful neighbourhood into a nightly spectacle of loud music, traffic congestion, and public disturbance. And yet, despite repeated concerns and reports, nothing changes. Why are businesses – particularly entertainment venues – allowed to pop up in clearly residential zones with no accountability? Why are citizens forced into silence out of fear that their complaints will not be protected, but instead, disclosed by the very authorities meant to protect them?

This is not simply about noise. It’s about governance. It’s about rights.

It is about the consistent failure of public institutions to enforce zoning regulations, to uphold the sanctity of residential life, and to protect ordinary Jamaicans from environmental and psychological stress caused by inappropriate business activities.

It is hard to believe that the same people who party at these venues would tolerate such disruption in their own communities. Yet because many of them go home to quiet, regulated neighbourhoods, they are unaffected. Meanwhile, those of us living in Barbican Square and similar areas are forced to endure sleepless nights and rising frustration.

We are calling on:

• The member of parliament for this area to represent the voices of residents and not only the interests of commerce.

• The councillors and KSAMC to review and enforce zoning laws transparently and consistently.

• The police to act in defence of community peace and public order, and to ensure whistleblowers are protected.

• The NEPA and other relevant authorities to inspect and review the legality of noise and operations permits issued to businesses in clearly residential spaces.

This is not sustainable. This is not just. And this is certainly not acceptable.

We ask, with urgency and sincerity, that those elected and appointed to protect our welfare take swift action to restore dignity and rest to our homes. We all have a right to a good night’s sleep.

AFFECTED RESIDENT OF

BARBICAN SQUARE