The tragic death of a three-day-old baby following Divali celebrations has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for stricter regulations on fireworks. Fireworks Use Sufferers (FUS), an advocacy group, has expressed profound sympathy for the grieving family, who reportedly endured relentless noise from fireworks despite pleas for restraint. While the exact cause of the infant’s death remains unclear—whether due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or the stress induced by the fireworks—the incident has highlighted the government’s perceived negligence in addressing the issue. Critics argue that the administration’s decision to ban fireworks for Independence Day but not for Divali reflects a reckless and biased approach. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been urged to issue guidelines promoting the use of silent fireworks and enforce stricter permitting processes. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the government’s alleged favoritism toward Fireone Fireworks, a major importer of these devices, despite their non-essential nature and the strain they place on foreign exchange reserves. The incident has also exposed the inadequacies of law enforcement, with reports of police failing to respond effectively to noise complaints. As the year-end celebrations approach, activists and stakeholders are demanding immediate action to prevent further harm to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and animals. Public protests and calls for accountability from the Prime Minister and Attorney General are being organized to address this pressing issue.
