Warning against use of fireworks

THE Government, through the Ministry of Internal Affairs, is issuing a warning to the general public that it is prohibited to use or fire fireworks or crackers during Christmas and New Year's festivities.
In a public statement this week, Minister of Internal Affairs, Georges Wells,

is warning the public in and around the capitol, Port Vila, to be cautious while staging fireworks displays during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

Minister Wells also advised that retailers of fireworks are not allowed to sell over the counter to their customers fireworks products of 30 mm in diameter during the coming festivities.

“The reason for this is that such fireworks when fired could reach to up 100 to 200 meters, which is dangerous for aircraft. Therefore, approval from the Civil Aviation Authority is required for fireworks of 30 mm or more and some knowledge of the product will be required for those people who fire or defuse them," he said.

"The public must know that there are areas in and around Port Vila where fireworks display is prohibited. These include Black Sands, Mele, Melemaat, Snake Hill, Erangorango, Blandinaire Estate, Sweetie, Tagabe, 21 Jump Street, Ohlen Freswin, Beverly Hills, and Bellevue.

“The Police Commissioner’s Office and the Civil Aviation Authority will arrest and prosecute any person who breaches these requirements,” Wells warned.

He said there have been incidents in the past, and as recently as last year, where people who purchased these ‘dangerous’ substances have no knowledge whatsoever about how to or where to safely carry out these displays.prosecute any person who breaches these requirements,” Wells warned.

He said there have been incidents in the past, and as recently as last year, where people who purchased these ‘dangerous’ substances have no knowledge whatsoever about how to or where to safely carry out these displays.