Jamaica: The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) cautioned citizens that the staging of fireworks is illegal without permission.
Head of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Gary McKenzie said that as it relates to the use of fireworks or firecrackers, it is opposite to the law unless permission is granted and no permits would be granted for large-scale fireworks this year.
The police officer added that these new restrictions are based on entertainment restrictions in the time of COVID-19.
SSP McKenzie recorded that the possession of firecrackers, more commonly called ‘clappers’, is illegal and if persons are found with them, they can be prosecuted for the offence.
Under the law, an import permit is required to bring pyrotechnic items such as firecrackers and fireworks into the island, and persons trading these goods must have this licence.
He emphasized that the activating, discharging or throwing of firecrackers in public spaces is illegal under Section 3 of the Towns and Communities Act.
“Firecrackers are not toys and can pose severe safety risks, so their usage must be regulated by the JCF,” SSP McKenzie stated.
He shared that licenses for fireworks are usually granted by the JCF, in collaboration with the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), the health department and the municipal corporation.
From the past few months, the crime rate in Jamaica has suddenly rised, as per the police officials it is might be due to the job losses in the time of the pandemic.
Upcoming time for the Jamaica police is not going to be easy; this is one of the reasons that police want to control in law and order.
Jamaica administration continuously urges the people to be more aware of the COVID-19 and requesting people to wear masks and use alcohol-based sanitizer to fight against this battle.
