JCF reminds persons that fireworks are still illegal

The Jamaica Constabulary Force is reminding the public that fireworks (pyrotechnics) and firecrackers remain illegal in Jamaica.

Firecrackers, more commonly called 'clappers', are still sold during the Christmas period despite being illegal.

Speaking with JIS News, head of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch, Assistant Commissioner of Police Gary McKenzie, said persons should desist from using them.

"All of those things are illegal and they should not be done. There are no permits that are being given for these kinds of activities. We expect that persons will abide by the rules [as] we are not going to be lenient," McKenzie said.

"If persons are caught doing this, there is no discretion that will prevent us or that we will use not to arrest and charge people, because we have to ensure the message is clear," he added. McKenzie further stated that both the sale and possession of any type of fireworks or firecrackers are illegal.

"What we don't realise is that, especially with communities, we have babies, elderly persons, hospitals and infirmaries and sometimes these things go off and it can be quite frightening," McKenzie stated. He informed that persons have lost their homes due to individuals who display fireworks.

"Remember, it's fire and it's not controlled. You can burn down somebody's house, so we're just asking persons to really be responsible," McKenzie said.