BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — The Barbados Government has tabled legislation in the Parliament providing for a fixed penalty of BDS$500 (US$250) for any person found guilty of flying a kite with any object which creates noise, especially at nights.

Attorney General Dale Marshall, who tabled the amendment to the Minor Offences Act, said while the Barbadian pastime of kite flying is loved by a majority of citizens, the current situation of loud kites being flown in the dead of night was one that needed to be addressed.

The legislation also allows for any person who flies, or causes to be flown, any kite that causes a noise, between the hours of 7:00 pm and 6:00 am to be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to the BDS$500 fixed penalty.

“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,” Marshall told legislators of the kite known as “‘bulls”.

He said while some people may argue that attitudes towards the sport may have changed compared to years gone by, it was clear for most Barbadians that the loud noises heard during the night had long become a nuisance and a burden to many.

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 a part, has absolutely no interest in rooting out a wonderful part of Barbados’ culture and heritage. 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,” he said.

The attorney general also said the Government, which controls all 30 seats in the Parliament, would soon be tabling legislation to penalise property owners who do not clean their various plots which often presents a health hazard.

He said, too, that the 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. 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,” he said.