Government Introduces Landmark Fireworks Regulation Bill to Protect Citizens
UNITED VOICE
Government Introduces Landmark Fireworks Regulation Bill to Protect Citizens
Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar today spoke on the Summary Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2025, describing it as a long-overdue act of justice designed to protect the peace, safety, dignity, and well-being of citizens across Trinidad and Tobago.
The Prime Minister noted that for nearly a decade, citizens endured the severe consequences of unregulated fireworks use; traumatised children, terrified animals, injuries, fires, hospitalisations, property damage, and even the alleged death of a three-day-old infant. Despite repeated warnings from the EMA, T&TEC, medical experts, teachers, animal-welfare groups, and hundreds of public petitions, no meaningful action was taken under the former administration.
Mrs. Persad-Bissessar emphasised that her Government moved within seven months to bring forward comprehensive reforms rooted in science, expert review, and public demand. The Bill includes:
- Mandatory permits for discharging fireworks except in limited holiday windows
- Strict restricted zones around hospitals, airports, zoos, farms, animal shelters, Forest Reserves, and National Parks
- Fixed-penalty tickets and strengthened enforcement powers for the police
- Modernised evidence rules, allowing mobile recordings in prosecution
- Regulations to govern safety, storage, traceability, and operator accountability
The Prime Minister explained that these measures are essential as Christmas, New Year’s, and Carnival represent the periods of highest misuse and greatest harm. The new framework aims to ensure that “nights of chaos become nights of calm,” especially for babies, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and animals.
She also highlighted the conclusions of the Law Reform Commission and Joint Select Committee, which found widespread evidence of injuries, respiratory harm, noise levels exceeding 120 decibels, security risks including use in improvised explosive devices, and systemic enforcement failures—only five charges in five years under the old regime.
Mrs. Persad-Bissessar outlined her long-standing leadership on the issue, recalling years of advocacy against noise pollution while in Opposition, including calls for licensing reform, protection of communities, and safeguarding vulnerable groups. The Bill, she affirmed, fulfils those commitments.
Since taking office, the Government has already acted decisively: cancelling loud Independence Day fireworks, permitting only silent displays, adopting the LRC’s recommendations, and securing Cabinet approval for the Bill. The reforms have been warmly welcomed by animal-welfare organisations, disability advocates, and national safety groups.
The Prime Minister concluded:
“This Bill is grounded in humanity, dignity, and justice. After years of pleas from our people, today we listen. Today we act. Promises made. Promises kept.”
The Government has called upon all Members of Parliament to support the historic legislation in the interest of protecting families, communities, and the national welfare.
###
Dec 9 2025