Firing firecrackers

Nov 14, 2008 Features / Columnists

The Parrot squawked in the past about the use of firecrackers which is widespread within our society. This practice is dangerous; people have been seriously injured.
Much has been said about the nuisance it has become, not only to peace-loving citizens, but also to unsuspecting peaceful animals; canines seem the most affected. The debacle at the Alexander Village Mandir on Deepavali night last, speaks volumes of the serious threat posed by these dangerous “toys”.
The abundance of firecrackers worries me. I recall that some sort of ban was imposed on its importation. By extension, one would expect that people caught using it in the vicinity of law enforcement officials would be reprimanded. This obviously is miles away from what should be happening. Offenders brazenly fire these crackers in the presence of law enforcement officials. The last Deepavali motorcade was punctuated with firecrackers being fired off by those who possessed them throughout the route, a route along which law enforcement officials were very visible.
It was clear then that no attempt was going to be made by law enforcement officials to curb its use. At one point it seemed as if it was a firecrackers motorcade during which a few illuminated vehicles would pass. Of course the crackers fired outnumbered the vehicles in the motorcade. The question is: how are these noisy and dangerous things getting into the country? I know you know the answer, but it is being asked in the context of the supposed ban that should be in place. A ban on anything means that monitoring should be intensified. Moreso, even if its importation breaches legally required procedures, one would expect that if they are found to be in the possession of someone, that immediate action would be taken to rectify the illegality.
Uncle Bharrat commented on the issue. A simple issue like this, at least to me, shouldn’t even require the Head of State’s involvement. The responsibility lies with law enforcement to deal with defaulters that are “in their face” as was the case on the night of the last motorcade. What prevented them from taking action? The GRA chimed in yesterday. It is clear that the firecrackers are smuggled in, making it difficult for Customs officials to track. Here again is where law enforcement officials must intensify their approach.
I am not in any way suggesting that the task is easy. Our terrain and porous borders exacerbate the challenge they face. This being said, I have to repeat what I found to be unbelievable, that defaulters who openly sell and use firecrackers were not “reined” in. In most of our markets, firecrackers’ vendors openly ply their trade. Why can’t law enforcement conduct a “sweep”? Yes I know that they, law enforcers that is, have their hands filled with other pressing issues. But?
We are approaching the festive season and they will be intensifying their presence in and around the city. We have seen their many recent successes for which they thoroughly deserve kudos. One would expect that with this kind of capacity the issue of firecrackers doesn’t seem that monumental. While law enforcement officers have their role to play, citizens have a responsibility to provide information that can assist. This makes me ask: aren’t those peddling and using firecrackers aware of their dangers? I am sure they do, but like some substances, the “kick” derived is priceless. Maybe it’s time for law enforcement to kick back. Squawk! Squawk!

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Firing firecrackers

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