Prime Minister Gaston Browne has intervened in a growing public dispute over early entertainment curfews imposed by the National Parks Authority, pledging immediate stakeholder discussions to address mounting frustrations. The political leadership’s engagement follows a viral incident at Abracadabra where a DJ directed profane criticism at authorities after being compelled to terminate music at 1 a.m., sparking concerns about potential public unrest.
The controversy gained momentum through a citizen’s letter characterizing the DJ’s behavior as profoundly disappointing and potentially incendiary, drawing parallels to inflammatory rhetoric associated with historical civil disturbances. Despite widespread public condemnation, no legal action has been initiated against the individual, with the correspondent emphasizing that the provocative footage remains publicly accessible and warrants judicial attention.
This incident has reignited examination of noise regulation enforcement mechanisms across Antigua and Barbuda. The Noise Abatement Act (1997) designates exclusive enforcement authority to police services, yet consistent application has remained challenging despite recurrent complaints from hospitality establishments and residents affected by nocturnal disturbances. The correspondent expressed alarm over alleged political directives instructing law enforcement and park authorities to relax statutory enforcement, raising fundamental questions about governance consistency.
With tourism operators, residents, and event organizers preparing for heightened holiday activity, the Prime Minister’s convening of multi-stakeholder dialogue suggests impending revisions to entertainment guidelines or enforcement protocols to balance cultural entertainment with community tranquility.