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.
02:08That's Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
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