By Shanique Richards
St. Kitts Reporter
Law enforcement in an effort to continue to fight against illegal firearms and other gun-related crimes has announced a temporary ban, effective immediately, on all explosive fireworks (bombs), especially those associated with the Guy Fawkes celebration. The police have appealed to all business places and the general public to cooperate with the security forces in the interest of public safety and security.
The Observer took to the streets as residents divided on the issue of whether or not fireworks should be allowed for Guy Fawkes celebration.
Bill Nisbett, British American Insurance – I think that it is a great idea and it is about time that explosive bombs are banned. I say this because sometimes it is impossible to know whether or not the explosion being heard around Guy Fawkes time is caused by fireworks or an actual gunshot which leaves the public unaware of any danger which might be taking place at that time. Nowadays we are unable to tell the real from the fake so eliminating the Guy Fawkes explosives will assist in controlling the illegal use of firearms in this country.
Dr. Randy Liburd, Dentist – I think that there are two sides to this matter. If we ban fireworks then it will be a disadvantage to the kids who look forward to the celebration. We will be taking away the enjoyment for many young kids. Also, we will be taking away the true meaning of Guy Fawkes as what we know it to be. What is Guy Fawkes without the fireworks?
On the other hand, during Guy Fawkes many are unable to differentiate between the sound of a bomb and the sound of a gunshot. Therefore, this ban will enable law enforcement to be alarmed if a gunshot is fired because the competition, which is the fireworks that carry a similar sound, will then be eliminated. I think this will assist law enforcement greatly during this period.
Rudel Foe, Marriott – I agree that these fireworks should be banned because for a while now in my neighborhood, I have been hearing loud sounds like bombs and it is difficult to tell whether or not it was a gunshot being fired. Persons also sometimes ignore these sounds around Guy Fawkes and it is possible that they may be the sound of a gunshot.
Most people don’t know the difference in sound because they are very similar which causes some confusion. Also, if it was a gunshot fired and someone is injured it opens the possibility for that incident to be ignored and when someone realizes it might be too late. Also, many take this time of year as the opportunity to create gun related crimes because they know that the fireworks can overshadow the gunshots. The only amendment that I would like to see to this ban is that the silent fireworks be allowed for the pleasure of the youth who look forward to the celebration each year.
Lenny, St. Pauls – I agree that they should ban fireworks as another to measure to help decrease crime in this country. However, I think that they need to at least consider the silent fireworks which do not interfere with the security of society but allows the youth to celebrate in style. Many kids look forward to this annual celebration and most of them will not understand the purpose of this ban. I hope to see the starlight and spinning flowers around again this year. Some fireworks should be kept in an effort to continue the Guy Fawkes celebrations.
Backcuss, Cayon – Yes it is a good idea. I totally and wholeheartedly agree with the idea because it seems as though these days persons are abusing the entire concept of Guy Fawkes. These fireworks are being used to assist in criminal activity so I am in agreement with it. If persons are misusing these fireworks then it is better to eradicate them from the country rather than have the security forces be mislead and unable to act effectively.
