Cops to crack down on scratch bombs

I recognise that given time and space constraints it was not possible for the media to publish my full remarks made at the launch of the Ministry of Public Administration and Communications “Scratch Bomb Campaign” last Friday.

This led to Didier’s mistaken belief that the police have no role to play in treating with the issue.

Let me quote from my remarks last Friday at the launch of the National Scratch Bomb Campaign.

“One of our key stakeholders in this campaign is the Police Service and other law enforcement agencies, who will be monitoring more closely, where these contraband items are being sold and to whom they are being sold.

“The dilemma facing the law enforcement agencies however is this: although fireworks are banned in most urban areas, unless permission is sought and obtained at least 48 hours prior from the police, the law is silent on its use in most rural areas, which presents a greater challenge for law enforcement seeking to crack down on the illegal use of fireworks and scratch bombs.

“I am certain though, as I am certain you gathered here and the country are aware, the existence of punitive laws has never prevented anyone from committing a crime. And so our appeal today, particularly as this is a matter that touches the day-to-day lives of the average citizen, is to the hearts and minds of everyone, to do their part to ensure a safer Christmas and New Year. If we instill a culture of care for our neighbours and our elderly, Trinidad and Tobago will be a much better place.” Trinidad and Tobago needs this culture of care and not just over the issue of “scratch bombs”.

While law enforcement does have a significant part to play in dealing with the issue, Didier would be mistaken if he believes that negates the duties we all have as members of the public to not do our part in eradicating this menace from our society.

I wish to assure Didier that I have got an assurance from the Minister of National Security that the police will be cracking down on the sale and use of illegal “scratch bombs”. This, should not, however, preclude us from doing our part to ensure that members of the public are alerted to the dangers of facilitating their use.

Maxie Cuffie Minister of Public Administration and Communications