A significant legal and political controversy has emerged in Antigua and Barbuda regarding the enforcement of the nation’s Noise Abatement Act of 1997. The core of the dispute centers on allegations that the Prime Minister has instructed police and the National Parks Authority to cease enforcing this longstanding legislation, which was originally enacted by Parliament to protect hotels and residents from excessive nighttime noise.
The conflict gained public attention through a viral video featuring an individual openly criticizing the National Parks Authority. Critics have drawn parallels between this rhetoric and the incitement that led to former U.S. President Trump’s impeachment following the January 6th insurrection, raising questions about why local authorities haven’t made arrests despite the publicly available evidence.
Legal experts emphasize that enforcement authority for the Noise Abatement Act rests solely with the police, not the National Parks Authority. The law’s implementation was reportedly championed by Assistant Police Commissioner Wade during public consultations, highlighting its necessity for addressing community disturbances that regularly extended into early morning hours.
The current situation has sparked serious constitutional questions about the separation of powers in the Caribbean nation. Citizens and legal observers are questioning whether the Cabinet possesses authority to override parliamentary laws and selectively determine which legislation receives enforcement—a development that challenges fundamental principles of democratic governance and rule of law.
The unfolding controversy reflects broader concerns about legal consistency and political influence in law enforcement matters, potentially setting significant precedents for how Antigua and Barbuda balances executive power with legislative authority.