By Norma Cherry-Fevrier
Economist
Department of Planning and National Development
Castries, Saint Lucia

In the quest for increased development and economic growth, environmental noise pollution is also increasing.  In the Caribbean, familiar disturbing sounds from the neighbours’ stereo set, heavy equipment, industry, lawn mowers and transportation to name a few, all contribute to the unwanted noises that communities have to deal with on a daily basis.  Singh and Davar (2004) state that noise is derived from a Latin word “nausea” that means unwanted sound or sound that is loud, unpleasant or unexpected, much of which emanates from human activities.  These unwanted noises are not simply nuisances, but can have a wide range of negative effects on the health of human beings.  As a result, Governments must put measures in place to control and minimise noise pollution and its negative effects, especially on residential communities.  This article will discuss some of the general sources and effects of noise pollution and use an example from a residential community in Saint Lucia to show how residents can cause change where the noise pollution problem affects their community.  Also, recommendations will be presented as to how Governments can address the growing issue that is unavoidable as populations grow, development increases and changes in technology occur.