There was a tone of collaboration in the House of Representatives today as it passed the Government's bill to regulate the use of fireworks in this country with the support of the Opposition.
It was a debate that saw the Government considering amendments to the bill made by the Opposition.
00:00The evidence is clear, Mr. Speaker. Without regulation, fireworks jeopardize not only our celebrations, but our collective security and well-being.
00:13Attorney General John Jeremy in the House of Representatives, where he piloted a bill containing new amendments to the Summary Offenses Act to regulate the use of fireworks in Trinidad and Tobago,
00:23a campaign promised by the UNC and its Coalition of Interests in the lead-up to the 2025 general election.
00:30Dago Martin Central MP Simon Denobriga said the opposition was minded to support the bill.
00:35However, among the opposition's concerns were the concerns of Fed promoters who are preparing for the 2026 Carnival season.
00:43If it is that we are saying to our Fed promoters at Carnival time, which is right around the corner,
00:52if we are saying that you cannot go to certain venues, national sporting facilities,
01:00but we will allow you to go to the savannah or to go down to Chagaramas.
01:07But under the legislation, we are saying that those areas, you cannot use fireworks.
01:14We are not acknowledging the fact that in those infets, fireworks and pyrotechnics are part of the experience in those parties.
01:24The debate saw a tone of collaboration between the government and the opposition
01:28as reflected by Prime Minister Kamala Persaud's response to one change in the bill proposed by MP Denobriga
01:36as reflected by Speaker of the House Jaglio Singh.
01:39The bill will now go before the Senate with amendments.
02:02It was approved by the lower house with 38 votes in favor, no votes against and no abstentions.
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