Top cop warns against illegal fireworks

THE Commissioner of Police (CoP) is warning persons against the sale and use of fireworks, reminding that misuse can result in a penalty of $1,000. The warning comes as the Christmas holiday season approaches, especially New Year’s, when many fireworks are used as part of the festivities. A release from the office of CoP Trevor Paul yesterday noted that the Explosives Act Chap 16:02, the Summary Offences Act Chap 11:02, and the Public Holiday and Festival Act Chap 19:05, prohibits the unlicensed sale of explosives, including fireworks, and bans the use of fireworks without the Order of Approval of the President, the National Security Minister or Commissioner of Police. It also said that fireworks must be sold on licensed premises, the sale of which is prohibited to children under the age of 16.

CoP Paul said the Summary Offences Act makes provisions for the misuse of fireworks in public places, in both urban and rural areas of the country. Section 99 makes it an offence for any person to throw, cast, set fire to or let off any fireworks within any town. Persons in violation of the provision are liable to a fine of $1,000. He is also advising that persons should not detonate fireworks in or around hospitals, nursing homes, geriatric homes, malls filled with shoppers or market places. Paul said numerous complaints have been made by homeowners about the negative effects of fireworks on their pets, and he was especially concerned about the fatal consequences which the noise from fireworks can have on the sick and elderly. The police chief assures citizens and visitors that police officers will be vigilant in upholding the laws.