A scathing critique has emerged regarding Trinidad and Tobago’s approach to fireworks regulation, accusing authorities of engaging in political theater rather than implementing genuine public safety measures. The criticism, articulated in a letter to Newsday by Gordon Laughlin, highlights fundamental contradictions in current policy enforcement.
The controversy centers on the apparent disconnect between official rhetoric and practical enforcement capabilities. While government officials publicly discuss imposing curfews on fireworks usage, the police service lacks adequate personnel and vehicles to effectively monitor hillside communities once celebrations commence. Historical patterns indicate that law enforcement typically avoids areas of high tension during festive periods, further undermining the credibility of these proposed measures.
At the heart of the accusation lies a significant procedural contradiction: Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro personally authorizes permits allowing fireworks to enter the country. This creates a situation where permits are granted through official channels first, followed by subsequent threats of enforcement against citizens who use these legally imported products. The writer characterizes this two-tiered approach as institutionalized double standards rather than legitimate public safety policy.
The critique suggests that the entire fireworks debate serves as political performance rather than meaningful governance, with officials creating the appearance of action while failing to address practical realities of enforcement. This perspective challenges the authenticity of government commitments to community safety during celebratory events, pointing to systemic failures in policy coordination between permitting and enforcement agencies.