A scathing critique from Diego Martin resident Michael Jattan has denounced Trinidad and Tobago’s recently enacted fireworks legislation as profoundly flawed and dangerously irresponsible. In a sharply worded editorial submission to Newsday, Jattan characterizes the new law as “asinine” and serving exclusively to protect commercial interests while ignoring public welfare concerns.
The commentary highlights how both major political parties – the ruling administration and opposition PNM – have collectively endorsed legislation that Jattan asserts will legitimize the traditional Old Year’s Night chaos. The author contends that the government has prioritized financial considerations of fireworks importers over addressing the documented hazards to both human and animal populations.
Tragic incidents including the death of an infant during Divali celebrations and thousands of canine fatalities over the past two decades are cited as evidence of the dire consequences of unrestricted fireworks usage. Jattan notes with particular dismay that the proposed reforms contain no substantive improvements to existing regulations, suggesting the legislation may have been effectively drafted by industry stakeholders themselves.
The critique employs powerful symbolism, associating red with the bloodshed of animals terrified into roadway accidents and yellow with governmental cowardice in failing to enact morally courageous legislation. Jattan concludes with a sobering warning about the eventual reckoning that divine justice will deliver in the absence of responsible governance, noting that “the longest rope has an end” for those currently benefiting from the problematic legislation.