Scratch bombs banned

SCRATCH bombs are now banned in TT. National Security Minister Stuart Young signed the Explosives(Prohibition of Scratch Bombs) Order 2018 today. A statement issued by the ministry said Young's signing of the order is in keeping with Cabinet's decision on November 22 to officially ban scratch bombs.

The order was made by Young in keeping with Section 37 of the Explosives Act. The ministry said the order prohibits people from manufacturing, importing, keeping, conveying or selling a scratch bomb. People who breach the order may be liable on indictment to a fine of $20,000 or ten years imprisonment or forefeiture of the items. The order has been published in the TT Gazette as legal notice 197 and takes immediate effect.

Young encouraged all citizens to "take heed of this order and continue to respect the laws of TT." According to the order, a scratch bomb is defined as an explosive which has a friction sensitive head and is ignited by applying friction or an open flame to the friction sensitive head. The order also describes scratch bombs as an explosive which "explodes and produces a pyrotechnic effect, including a flash, a loud noise, heat or flames. These explosives are designed to be hand-held and thrown upon being ignited.

Section three of the order said notwithstanding the provision of the Explosives (Manufacture of Fireworks) Order " no person shall manufacture, import, keep, convey or sell a scratch bomb."