Kingston, Jamaica: As the festive season approaches, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) reminded the general public that bursting fireworks (pyrotechnics) and firecrackers remain illegal in the Caribbean island. JCF officials provided a reminder as being illegal; still, the firecrackers are being sold on the streets.

The Head of the Public Safety & Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) – Gary McKenzie, asked the citizens to not burst crackers, adding that no permit yet has been provided by the Jamaican government.

“We expect that persons will abide by the rules [as] we are not going to be lenient,” ACP McKenzie warned the public.

Telling the consequences of not abiding by the restrictions, he highlighted, “If any individual is 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. If we do not take steps to be safe and abide by the rules, we are going to destroy ourselves, and we will not allow that”.

He further informed that possession of any kind of firecracker is illegal, including its sale, outlining that several individuals lost their homes.

“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,” he added.

He added that people find it interesting and excited to burst crackers, considering it as fun.

“But there are many people who have lost their entire home because of these things. Remember, it’s fire, and it’s not controlled. You can burn down somebody’s house, so we are just asking the general public to be a responsible citizen”.

Besides this, he also asked the people to be more cautious and follow the COVID-19 heath guidelines and protocols as Christmas arrives.