The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service wishes to remind members of the public to be cautious when using fireworks, particularly during the upcoming festive seasons of Divali and Christmas.
Members of the public should be wary that they can cause serious injury to users, other persons or result in major damage to property.
With this in mind, Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith, wishes to advise the public that while the use of fireworks is not an illegal activity, scratch bombs have been banned and there are laws in place to restrict the unauthorised sale and misuse of fireworks.
It must be noted that according to the Summary Offences Act Chapter 11:02, Section 99,“any person who throws, casts, sets fire to, or lets off any fireworks within any town is liable to a fine of one thousand dollars.”
With regard to the Sale of Fireworks; the Explosives Act Chapter 16:02 Section 10. (1) clearly states that - “No person other than a wholesale or retail dealer shall sell gunpowder, or offer or expose the same for sale. Section 10. (2) states- Any person who contravenes the provisions of this section is liable to a fine of two thousand dollars.”
The public is also advised to note the Explosives (Prohibition of Scratch Bombs) Order 2018, in keeping with Section 37 of the Explosives Act Chapter 16:02. The Order prohibits persons from manufacturing, importing, keeping, conveying or selling a scratch bomb. Persons found breaching the Order may be liable upon indictment, to a fine of $20,000.00 or ten years imprisonment or forfeiture of the items.
Additionally, the public is being asked to be mindful of the detrimental effects that noise, particularly that of fireworks, can have on sensitive groups in our communities; such as newborn babies, the elderly and animals.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is encouraging citizens to act responsibly and make safety a priority at all times.