Police warn against illegal fireworks for Divali

Public Information Officer for the TTPS, Ag ASP Michael Jackman, issued a stern warning to people guilty of the illegal sale and use of fireworks for Divali celebrations and urged the proprietors of fireworks to partner with officers as they crack down on errant vendors..

Jackman made the remarks during the TTPS’ weekly media briefing on Sackville Street, Port of Spain yesterday in which he reminded the public that the sale of fireworks without a valid license was punishable with a fine of $2,000 and that the misuse of fireworks, which includes throwing or aiming fireworks at houses, powerlines and vehicles was an offence under the Summary Offences Act.

“The TTPS cautions members of the public regarding the unauthorised sale or use of fireworks which could likely cause injury to the user or result in damage to property. The Summary Offences Act section 99-1 states, ‘Except as prescribed by the regulations under this act, any person who throws, casts or sets fiire to any fireworks within any town, is liable to a fine of $1,000.’”

Jackman added that under the act, “town” is defined as any region in the vicinity of the cities of Port of Spain, San Fernando and the Borough of Arima. He said wholesale distributors and retailers of fireworks were expected to comply with regulations and will be subject to inspection by police officers at any time during their hours of business.

“Section 40, sub-section One of the Explosives Act provides that a police officer may at any time enter the premises of any wholesale or retail dealer and inspect all explosives in the stock of the dealer or the receptacles in which same may be stored and books kept by any such dealer under this act.”