Kite-flying change goes before Parliament

Attorney General Dale Marshall, has introduced new legislation aimed at tackling the growing problem of loud kites with ‘bulls’ which have become a nuisance for communities around the island.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday on the new amendment to the Minor Offences Act, Marshall said that though the Barbadian pastime of kite flying is loved by a majority of citizens, the current situation of punishingly loud kites being flown in the dead of night was one that needed to be addressed.

“In recent times, 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 the phenomenon of individuals who make kites and stake them out at night and they hover over individuals’ residences making a loud and troublesome noise,” he said.

The Attorney General further stressed that though some may argue that attitudes towards the sport may have changed compared to years gone by, it was clear for most Barbados 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.”

The new amendment states, “Any person who flies or causes to be flown any kite with any object which creates noise when attached to the kite; or causes the kite to make noise, between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fixed penalty of $500.”

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 apart, has absolutely no interest in rooting out a wonderful part of Barbados’ culture and heritage,” Marshall told the Lower Chamber. “What we do have an interest in, is making sure that our society operates in a way that has a balance…People have a right to enjoy their heritage and build on that heritage, but it has to be done in such a way that it still respects the rights of individuals.”  

 The attorney general also revealed that promised legislation aimed at penalising property owners who do not clean their various plots which often presents a health hazard, is soon to be brought before Parliament. He said the current administration intends to address a number of “minor” issues Barbadians have been raising for some time.

“We are concluding the work on the legislation which is 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 the impact of you not keeping your property clean has the capacity of creating health hazards for other individuals and not just the unsightly nature of your place.” (SB)