Former THAG President Gerry Gouveia has called for an end to the noise nuisance behind the Marriott Hotel.
A statement posted on his Facebook page follows:
Stop the noise nuisance behind the Marriott
As a former President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), I believe the concerns being raised about the Kingston seawall area behind the Marriott deserve attention and thoughtful discussion.
First, let me be clear: public spaces belong to the people of Guyana and should remain accessible for recreation, relaxation, and enjoyment.
However, rights come with responsibilities.
Many may not remember that before the development of the Marriott Hotel, this area was largely overgrown, littered, and unattractive for public use. The investment made in the area helped transform it into an appealing waterfront space that is now enjoyed by thousands of Guyanese and visitors alike.
The success of that transformation has also created new challenges.
When music is played at excessive volumes into the early hours of the morning, when littering, disorderly behaviour, and public nuisance become commonplace, the impact extends beyond a single hotel. It affects residents, visitors, tourism operators, investors, and ultimately Guyana’s reputation as a destination.
Hotels cannot sell a good night’s sleep if guests are kept awake until 2 or 3 a.m. by amplified music. Restaurants and outdoor venues struggle to operate when competing with multiple boom boxes. Negative visitor experiences quickly find their way onto international review platforms, where they remain visible long after the event has ended.
The solution is not to deny public access to the seawall. The solution is responsible, rules-based management of the space.
We should be able to create an environment where families can gather, young people can socialize, visitors can enjoy our beautiful coastline, and nearby businesses can operate without unreasonable disruption.
That means:
- Enforcing existing noise regulations.
- Maintaining cleanliness and sanitation.
- Providing proper security and monitoring.
- Promoting respectful use of shared public spaces.
- Holding those who repeatedly violate the rules accountable.
The objective should be balance—not exclusion.
Guyana is investing heavily in tourism, hospitality, and waterfront development. We must ensure that our public spaces remain vibrant and welcoming while also protecting the quality of life of residents and the experience of visitors.
A mature society is not one without rules. It is one where everyone understands and respects them.
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