BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – GUY FAWKES celebrations this year will be muted, as the Royal St. Christopher-Nevis Police Force has maintained its ban on all explosive fireworks.
Guy Fawkes Night is held in remembrance of the failed Gunpowder Plot of November 5, 1605, in which a number of conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London. The night is celebrated annually on November 5 in the United Kingdom and in several former British colonies.
In St. Kitts, children can be seen playing with their Guy Fawkes bombs and explosives from as early as mid-October. It was in 2008 that local authorities first placed the ban on explosive fireworks.
“As part of the ongoing efforts in the fight against illegal firearms and other gun-related crimes, the police wish to remind and inform the general public that there is in effect a temporary ban on all explosive fireworks or (bombs), especially those associated with Guy Fawkes celebrations. This ban does not extend to starlight, whistling rockets and other similar non-explosive type fireworks,” the release clarified.
It further stated that security forces would be vigilant in enforcing the ban, and asked for public support and cooperation in the maintenance of law and order.
“We are making a special appeal to all business places and the general public, in particular parents and guardians, to cooperate with police in the interest of safety and security.”
