The banning of anyone handling fireworks is a major achievement of the medical sector in the Dominican Republic. Years back medics convinced the government that there were too many tragedies every Christmas. The government then announced that only authorized companies could detonate the fireworks in the name of public safety.
The relevance of this decision is major given that the government has yet to act in favor of people’s safety to enforce regulations for motorcyclists (that regularly violate traffic laws) and drinking and driving, especially over the Christmas holidays.
There is concern now given the decision of the Abinader government to be lax over the holidays that people may not abide by the fireworks ban either. Why do so when alcohol-vending businesses seem to have been given clearance in the holidays, and traffic violations are a dime a dozen.
The Ministry of Interior and Police, nevertheless, is sending out a bid to prevent the firework tragedies that mainly affect minors.
The Chemical Products and Pyrotechnics Agency (DEFA) under the Ministry of Interior and Police has reiterated that the sale of fireworks to the general public is strictly prohibited and only authorized businesses can handle such products.
This directive comes in the wake of a tragic incident during the Salcedo Carnival, where six children lost their lives due to burn injuries sustained from an accidental explosion when the fireworks were handled by a non-professional.
DEFA officials emphasized that only companies and technicians registered with the institution are qualified to handle pyrotechnics, as stipulated by Law 340-09. They warned that no local, municipal, or provincial authority has the power to grant permits for the use of fireworks.
The DEFA is currently conducting awareness campaigns targeting teachers, educators, and community leaders across various provinces to discourage the misuse of fireworks.
During a visit to Villa La Mata in Sánchez Ramírez, DEFA director Giacomo Cucco announced a “zero-tolerance” policy for the irresponsible detonation and sale of fireworks, vowing to enforce the law and protect citizens, El Dia reported.
“We want a happy holiday season without any regrets,” Cucco said. “Fireworks are meant to bring joy, but in the wrong hands, they can cause immense pain.”
Cucco urged the public, especially parents and guardians, to exercise caution and prevent children from accessing or using fireworks.
DEFA’s provincial technician, Jesús Cáceres, called on citizens to report anyone selling fireworks illegally, such as “patas de gallinas,” Roman candles, and other types of pyrotechnics.
José Nicolás Regalado, coordinator of the Educational District 16-07, urged everyone, especially educators, to educate children and adolescents about the dangers of fireworks misuse and to prevent future tragedies, as reported in El Dia.
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El Dia
18 December 2024