WHY THE NEED FOR POLICE PERMIT TO PLAY MUSIC AT A WEDDING AT ONE’S HOME?

Oct 07, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
Kindly publish this letter to the Minister of National Security and the Commissioner of Police. For too many years, the Police in “C” Division have been insisting that the hosts of weddings being held at their homes MUST have police permission before they can be allowed to play music at the events. Up to two years back, every Hindu or Muslim host to a wedding had to obtain a Music & Dancing Licence through the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court. Of recent, the “C” Division Police have “softened”, and permission must now be granted by the Commander’s Office.
If such permission is not produced to the police patrols, instruments are seized and taken to the Police Station. In fact, if hosts to weddings protest Police action, they are promptly taken along with the instruments. I have consulted with previous Commanders and even the Office of the Commissioner of Police on this practice and I am yet to be advised which Law makes this demand for permission.
A current matter has been brought to my attention yesterday. A host has submitted an application to the Commander’s Office for permission to play music at a wedding she has in two weeks’ time. As is required by the Commander’s Office, she submitted a written application, an Affidavit, Certificate from the Fire Service, Permission from the NDC, letters of “no objection” from two residents in the area. Having submitted all of that, the host was sent to the Enmore Police for further investigation. The Enmore Police now wants the host to take the two residents to the Station, at the same time, to verify the “no objection” letters.
By the time someone gets the permission, one would have expended over $20,000: Hon Minister, what is this? Where is the legality? I would apologize to you most profusely if I am advised that the misery I related above is required under the Law. (What my limited knowledge advises me regarding noise nuisance is that an offense is committed once someone complains about repetitious and consistent……to the annoyance of someone.)
Also, if this “permission” to play music is or is not required under Law, it would be of immense comfort and information, particularly to hosts weddings, to be so advised via some public advisory and/or that you would have cause to be directed to your various Agencies of the legal position regarding the playing of music at weddings. Hon Minister, I respectfully request some definitive action.
Taajnauth Jadunauth

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