At 8:10 this morning (Saturday April 4th) came the booming sound out of the roof speakers from the white car .. announcing something one could not even decipher.

8:10 am ... Saturday.

This kind of unneccesary noise should be outlawed before it gets out of hand.

Every visitor I have spoken to mention they come here because it is quiet, it is peaceful.

WAKE UP RESIDENTS ..
we are losing the very thing people treasure about our little village.

There is a Noise Abatement Act in Jamaica, but I am not clear if those horrid sound vehicles are covered by them. I BELIEVE the noise they make is not to be audible beyond 100 meters from their speakers; if you live closer than that to the road, you may be at their mercy. My guess - and it is only a guess - is that even IF they are included in the list of prohibited annoyances, the operators of these vehicles – or those who hire them - will not be prosecuted. After all, our own politicians hire them prior to elections.

Here is a story from the Gleaner that relates to the problem, though it is not about the vehicles but about loud music in the middle of the night:
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090322/ent/ent1.html. It is THIS sort of hypocrisy that I believe will exist once the Sports Park is completed and it is used for night time entertainment and other functions. We already know in Treasure Beach some establishments are told to shut at the appointed hour, and others - perhaps because of their friendliness with local authorities - are permitted to continue to make noise.

Hate to say it, but I feel these assaults upon our peace and quiet will only get worse.

Maybe more of us need to go more often to some of those special places where the only sounds are birds and rustling leaves and the only litter is the sweet humus, plant and animal substances returning to the earth. Then silence is heard and felt. I remember many such places. Now some are all exclusive or brown, dry and uninviting. Some are in peril of being 'improved'.

After a while in such places the appreciation of what noise and 'dash whe' is happens when we return to 'civilization'. And a hot bath right ladies :-)

Am I a Nature worshiper?

Why would I bow to what some refer to as a footstool of the Creator? I certainly try to keep it clean and in good order. My yard at least.

So I see Yard. TB and wherever I happen to stand. Just to be clear.

I don't know about outlawing No More Noise?

There are so many rules to break. I think there are noise and speed laws on the books. It's the reinforcing of them and the advantages that are taken by those that lean to such things.

I always encourage alternative methods first. We are sensible people.

Just get out the word that enough is enough.

Danger to visitors yes. More danger to we and the pickney dem as we are around these transp more. Driving, driven and walking.

Remember too that all of us are dependant on the transport operators and drivers. Many of us are driver too. Please communicate this respectfully if doing so.

Confession: I was a speeder. I enjoyed sliding my car or bike around corners and such wild things. I loved loud muffler too. I am also fortunate to be alive and well and to have not caused hurt. If I had, I could not erase the pain it would have caused me. I have worked in a casualty dept and seen what a ton and more of metal going at 60 odd mph can do. Not pretty, it makes your head swell, your hair stand on end and tears sometimes. Then you get used to it. To survive emotionally.

Hmmm bumper stickers...... nice graphics and Ja colors.

"Where wi really a rush to?". Or:

"Take 3 deep breaths and save lives"

It's funny I have just been saying that I actually think that TB is quieter than it used to be. For real! There used to be 3/4 bars on the beach, nightclub was open most days and nights with music playing, also the bar next to cashew tree + others that have since closed, then you didnt have to have a licence to play music after 11.00 pm like you do now.

I can remember the days when Loxley played his music from 6.00 am every Sunday morning but nobody cared, this is all part of life in TB/JA. As far as the guys going round advertising what is on locally, how else do you expect people to know what is going on - please dont say listen to a wireless or read posters. Locals hire them so they can make a little money holding dances probably that night etc. People get up very early, this is their way of life. I love it.

What do I love the most? The people, and if I have to put up with a little noise, power cuts and no water when the pressure is low, Quest ranting and raving all night playing a penny whistle then so be it. Just think you could be at work! Nah true!

LOL, I had to smile at your last statement. I just saw Quest the other day ranting about whatever or whoever and the power went out just as I was in middle of something important but I wouldn't trade it for the world.
I have to totally agree.....it could be worse...It could be cold, snowing and I could be at work : )
Long ago I got to where I don't even really hear the cars with the speakers...Cannot usually make out what they are saying anyway and I look at it as just part of the atmosphere

There is one "town crier" now ...
For those of you who love it, hope for yours and everyones sake there are not be 5 or 10 towncriers in the next few years - as think it will be you same ones that will be complaining bitterly then.

Quest is different to a car with loudspeakers.
I do not understand how you can even compare the two.

Shortsightedness is ignorance when looking back.

Shortsightedness? Is expending time on an internet forum, complaining about stuff and not doing anything about it proactive?

Jeans post was a lighthearted response. (and right on in my opinion)

Oh forgoodness sake! Shortsightedness? Ignorant? I think not! Shortsighted whoever you are, I have been going to TB twice a year for last 10 years and there has ALWAYS been cars with loudspeakers travelling round the district, music playing, cocks crowing, dogs barking and goats mummying. So I can assure you that I will NOT be looking back in years to come regretting my words. I could tell you lots of things I have experienced in TB much more worrying than a bit of noise but I would only be blamed for trying to put off the tourists!

Jean, as you do not live in Treasure Beach, and only visit twice a year, it is understandable that the car with loud speakers that you might hear once during your stay in the area is easy to tolerate.
For those of us that live here, it is not. One cannot even make out what it is announcing .. it is just big NOISE.
Dogs barking, cocks crowing, goats mummying are all of nature .. not created by disrespectful humans.
Might I suggest you come and live here for a year, and then tell me if the loudspeakers do not annoy you.

Jean, you opened the door a tantalising crack then shut it because some visitors may be put off.

I think the visitors that find TB are a mite hardier than others, I also think it fair to them and us that you let us know the things that you consider a higher priority than noise. Not that I consider noise the highest priority.

There are some about to invest time, care and cash in the area. Please do not hold back relevant information. Also, how will these issues be dealt with if they is not acknowleged?

Is there anything happening in TB that is not happening elsewhere? maybe not as noticable and maybe without the impact these things have in other places.

Ignoring or denying signs and symptoms can have serious consequences on our health. So it is with communities.

I have visited back home a few times, and Oh my goodness!! There was a car that would passed where I was staying, this special car would come along certain hour in the morning. and my God!!!!!! There's no respect for neither man nor God. people need to know that life is not just about the things of this world and nothing to do With the things of God. We need to be reminded that, ONE DAY we're going to come face to face with God Almighty, on that Great Judgement Day. This day is no fairy tale, IT IS A FACT. we all need to stop and smell the roses.

I don't understand April's post. What exactly was the car doing that inspired such a reaction?

Jean, if "things" are happening worse than the noise level at times in Treasure Beach, the cars speeding, petty theft etc, then why not let us know what they are?
I think everyone that loves and cares about TB would appreciate knowing what the issues are, as, if they are a danger to anyones health, we might be able to put a stop to them before they get out of hand.
If however these are "things" that individuals choose to indulge in, that is their choice - and if they get into trouble with the law, or with some undesirable person, they should then be able to also take the responsibility for making such a not-so-wise choice.
It is usually irresponsible individuals that allow something unsavoury to exist, as they are the "demand" that needs supplying ...

I HAVE TO SAY I AGREE WITH APRIL.
THESE CARS WITH THE LOUD SQUEEZING NOISES NEEDS TO BE STOPPED OR TURN DOWN VOLUME.
THIS IS CALLED RESPECT .RESPECT FOR ALL.
TREASURE BEACH AND OTHER SURROUNDING AREAS NEED TO COME TOGETHER AND TALK ABOUT HOW TO PUT A STOP TO THIS.
THIS IS NOT JUST FOR THE SAKE OF THE TOURIST THAT VISIT TREASURE BEACH THIS FOR EVERYONE THAT HAS TO LISTEN TO THIS DISGUSTING LOUDY NOISE THAT BOTHERS ME.
WHAT ARE THEY ADVERTISING....YOU CANNOT EVEN UNDERSTAND BECAUSE THE LOUDNESS DROWN OUT THE MESSAGE.

I love the cars with the loud speakers and the announcements u can't understand! Granted I don't live there, but have spent an entire year living there. All of my Jamaican neighbors did not seem to mind it at all. Just one of the sounds of Jamaica I love! I actually got to go into the recording studio with a gentleman who was doing those announcements.. pretty cool!

The residents should be more concerned with these noises, especially the disgusting sound cars, that tourists. They have to hear them all year long. These people need their sleep and are entitled to peace and quiet; they are not on vacation.

Noise can be useful for some that are either distressed by the goings on between their ears or are not interested in the potential there.

It is a crude but effective way of masking or drowning out thoughts and images that are unwanted.

As a consideration to those that do not chose to share the experience, wear a good pair of earphones connected to the noise of choice.

Come on everybody! This is just how it is here....love it or leave it to those who do....but don't come to a foreign country and try to change it to your liking.....that is very offensive to us who love it here just the way it is. Surely if you want quiet you can find it somewhere else in the world.

I do agree they want to advertise but,I will be honest in saying it could be done in a more appropriate way.If they should stop in front of the Police Station for a few minutes do you think they would put-up with it for long.
I do not think so.
Get them to help thats a part of their job in case you all do not know that.
They do not have to stop them, just ask them not to blast people out of their beds so early in the mornings.

"Lover of Jamaica"...
I am Jamaican, as are a lot of other posters on this site who complain about this problem. Believe me the visitors seem more okay with it than we are and trust me a lot of us Jamaican's hate it.

It's insulting to visitors/tourists to be told they should go elsewhere to find peace and quiet.
Without tourists, the 'sleepy fishing village' would definitely be sleeping, so let us try to be accommodating, to say the least. AND everyone is entitled to his opinion.

MikeyMike, could you please email us about your recent posting.

Thanks,
TBNet

Maybe it could be that these cars could run between 10:00am & 7:00pm.... everyone could be happy :-))))
I have been in TB many times and love it any way for ever....

Easter Monday - 7:15 - another "town crier" driving through with an indephierable message for the community. It would wake the dead - appropriate for Easter but I found it very annoying! Imagine what the tourists thought!

most tourist have probably experienced cars with loud systems in their countries.Young people,especially, in the US enjoy blasting their music during the summer months (year round in warm areas) when car windows are wide open and many people are in the street. Sometimes passing cars cause windows to vibrate, oh well, I know that I'm alive!!Thank God I can experience life and all that it offers. The "towncrier" as it's been dubbed here, once served an important role as advertiser especially when tv, telephones weren't so readily available. There is so much else to focus on, so let's concentrate on enjoying life, tb and not sweating the small stuff.

"Hooked"-
In all countries that i have visited (and I have traveled a lot), cars with open windows and loud music are NOT allowed in residential areas.
There is respect for residential neighborhoods, and even in commercial areas, if it is bothersome to business owners, they arrest the drivers of the cars or ticket them.
Why should anyone feel they have the right to disturb even one other person?
If you choose to play loud music, then go into the bush, away from where people live.
And if "loud music" is your enjoyment of life, and windows vibrating makes you feel alive, then try silence ..
that might possibly blow your mind.

In my little town up here in north america there has been an increase in the amount of people being charge for playing loud music last year only eight offenders were charge so far this year twenty-eight being charge.

In past i remender when i used to play my music people used to call and request songs.
Music is just away of stress relief and all people believe in music whether dancehall,disco or gospel.

when tourists come in from abroad and they say they come for peace and quiet they mean to get away from the noise of trains,planes,buses,car horns in heavy traffic and the talking of 50,000 people all at one time in one place.I dont believe its the jamaican music/culture they are talking plus when they are here most times they come to have fun and party.so how else would these tourists know about a party if it is not announced.

and also most time u c a car booming down the place a
tourist is in it laughing and enjoying wat some people call noise.

Citisen, I wonder if you are really listening? Loud music causes stress not eases it.

Culture, Jamaican or other, played loud disturbs some. Is that not enough?

I doubt any will question the patriotism of a DJ if they play SWEET.

Sorry citisen...you are mistaken...very very few come to 'party'...that crowd goes to Negril. It is a sad statement when our rich culture has come down to being recognized for loud un-listenable music. THE two biggest complaints I have heard from visitors to Treasure Beach is the noise and the garbage on the roadside. We don't realize what a loud set of people we are.