Police place immediate ban on explosives

By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

~~Adz:Right~~BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WITH immediate effect, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has temporarily proscribed the use of all explosive fireworks, especially those associated with Guy Fawks which is celebrated on November 5 each year.

A police press release issued yesterday informed that the purpose of the ban is “to remove the cover that some persons use to discharge illegal firearms in public places”.

According to information reaching SKNVibes, the imposition of the ban follows an incident where a man, during the Guy Fawkes season, was gunned down and the sound of the gunshots were mistaken for those of firecrackers or some other form of pyrotechnics.

The release further states that the ban is only limited to “the type of fireworks that gives an explosive effect, such as bombs of all sizes, firecrackers etc.” Non-explosive fireworks, however, such as whistling rockets and starlights, are permitted. 

“This is part of the ongoing efforts in the fight against illegal firearms and other gun-related crimes. We appeal to all business places and the general public to cooperate with the security forces in the interest of public safety and security,” the release said.

The security forces have indicated that they would “be vigilant in the enforcement of this ban on all explosive fireworks” but requested “the cooperation of vendors of these banned items and the general public”.