Loud silence of the UNC on fireworks

THE EDITOR: The usual vocal nature of the UNC Opposition with regard to the PNM Government's various actions and decisions is noteworthy. For example, its nominee for the office of President.

The Opposition's collective voice is quickly raised and clearly heard, most notably on issues such as the current Minister of National Security, crime, the economy, the state of the roads and a sundry of other concerns. However, there is a deafening silence with respect to fireworks and one is left to wonder at the reason for this.

When in government and now as the party in opposition, the UNC has been remarkably consistent in its muteness on this issue. Nothing, in my recollection, has been said by about the ill effects of the indiscriminate use of fireworks over the last two decades.

These include the following: thousands of animals torn apart on the highways, grave distress caused to the elderly, the infirmed, autistic children and people with mental health challenges; also, homes destroyed, injuries inflicted and many assaulted in the peace and quiet of their residences by neighbours setting off fireworks at will.

Where is the usual articulate voice of Wade Mark, the angry tone of Barry Padarath, and the stinging "I am advised" voice of the UNC's political leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar?

It appears that, by their silence, the UNC is very much like the party in government – unconcerned about the stated ravages caused to human and animal life through the indiscriminate and illegal use of fireworks and more attuned to the vested interests of importers and users.

One can only hope that this is really not the case, but its ongoing, uncharacteristic silence is telling and perhaps indicative of a view that this is not an issue the UNC is willing to raise its usually loud voice to. If that is the case, is the UNC really an alternative to the party in government or just more of the same, but under a different symbol? Time will tell.

MICHAEL JATTAN

member, Fireworks

Action Coalition of TT