The MP for St. Paul on Friday urged a balanced, cooperative approach to the escalating noise-pollution dispute in English Harbour, calling the issue a “clear case of competing interests” between entertainment operators and nearby residents.
Speaking during the 2026 Budget Debate, the MP said the harbour’s mix of bars, clubs, marinas and homes evolved without modern zoning considerations, leaving both commercial and residential stakeholders to navigate a shared and increasingly contentious space. “If we had a clean sheet of paper today to design a marina, we would not design what we have today,” he said, noting that the community must “work with” the existing layout.
He added that while nightlife contributes significantly to the local economy, the rest and safety of residents “is also a factor that has to be given respect and consideration.” He urged both sides to “peacefully and respectfully come together” to find workable compromises.
The MP also sharply criticized non-compliant venue operators, singling out the owner of Abracadabra for what he described as a lack of respect for authority. “He has no respect for the authority,” the MP said, adding that enforcement agencies must “find a way to control” persistent breaches.
While he did not introduce a formal parliamentary motion, the MP outlined a proposed path forward: structured dialogue between residents and operators, strengthened enforcement by the National Parks Authority, and a balanced framework that preserves economic activity while ensuring residents’ right to quiet enjoyment of their homes.
“The interests must find a way to peacefully and respectfully come together,” he said, emphasizing that long-term stability in English Harbour depends on mutual respect and compliance.
