BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THERE had been talks in the past about whether or not the importation and use of fireworks should be banned in the Federation, with particular exceptions. Today, recent events have demand that those talks be resuscitated.
As a tradition, fireworks and other explosives are procured by parents, juveniles and others, and are detonated in celebration of Guy Fawkes (Nov. 5). For short periods before and after, the loud cracking and popping of these devices could be heard across communities.
On Sunday (Nov. 6), a picture began circulating ion social media of a young boy who suffered burns to his face and one of his hands as a result of these explosive agents.
Former Minister of National Security and social activist G. A. Dwyer Astaphan said the time has come for the people of the Federation to “wean ourselves off all of these things that can be dangerous to us”.
“I don’t think that these Halloween explosives do any good whatsoever. People who seek entertainment from them sure can find alternative ways of entertaining themselves. I know there have been concerns raised as to whether people should be issued licenses to bring in these fireworks and it’s not just a recent thing. There was concernyears ago.
“I remember when I was the Minister of National Security and, I think I may be wrong, but I believe that the then Commissioner Robert Jeffers was not in favour one year of these things coming in because of the activities that had been taking place. So I agree with those who say we should put that down and not allow people to use explosives.”
Recently shooting and robbery victim Seymour Liburd told WINNFM 98.9 that he mistook the gunshot sounds for that of fireworks. And some years ago on or around the Guy Fawkes observance, a man was shot and killed and, again, the gunshot sounds were mistaken for those of fireworks.
“Remember they don’t just use them on Halloween. All of the leftover are used for a period of time after Halloween and they can confuse people, and have confused people. In fact, people have mistaken gunshots for Halloween fireworks and vice versa, so I agree that these things need to be put down and no licenses be granted,” Astaphan said.
Astaphan noted that there are acceptable exceptions to banning recommendation, which he has no difficulty with.
“I think the Commissioner should begin the conversation about banning these things and I think the Government should get involved, and I think social stakeholders should get involved as well. We don’t need fireworks here to have fun. I could see special occasions on which fireworks are used in a controlled environment, but not willy-nilly people buying things and letting them off as they please, where they please, how they please, without any sense of safety or security or anything like that.”
The Operation Rescue founder said he would definitely vote for such a move once given the chance to do so.
SKNVibes had attempted to contact Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley for the past couple of days to ask his take on banning the explosive devices, but all attempts were unsuccessful.
