Even though Dutch coalition partner D66 now supports a national ban on the sale and private use of fireworks (see related story), it seems there is still no parliamentary majority for such in The Hague. New Year’s celebrations again led to dozens of injuries and at least one death in the Netherlands, while strong winds caused organised displays to be cancelled.
To what extent the latter contributed to the accidents, unrest and arrests in cities is unclear. Police and mayors across the European country in any case renewed their calls for a nationwide prohibition, after various local bans had been largely ignored.
While buying and setting off fireworks is also a post-Christmas tradition in the Dutch Caribbean, it has not occurred in St. Maarten on a large scale for several years. Temporary bans followed major hurricane-hits due to fear of tarpaulin-covered damaged roofs catching fire, but lack of interest in the necessary import and vending licences is the main reason.
There was also some related tragedy in the island’s recent past, when members of the Afoo family were killed during a firework show of their supermarket in Philipsburg that went terribly wrong. Then came a sharpening of restrictions on the gunpowder-containing products by the Fire Department, which discouraged businesspersons involved.
Attempts to revive the custom were nevertheless made on several occasion since and some of the “sky-bombs” etc. sold could certainly be described as rather heavy. Still, the community has apparently been getting used to mostly leaving the handling of these explosive devices to professionals who provide organised displays with permits.
To be sure, many, including the author of this column, have fond memories of lighting fireworks. However, awareness about the safety risk and nuisance also for animals has steadily grown.
Times change, and so do people’s ideas. Cigarette smoking was also popular until its detrimental health effects became widely known.
If one were to hold a survey regarding a possible permanent ban on the Dutch side, there is a good chance most residents would support such. The practice remains dangerous not only to those directly concerned but innocent bystanders too.
All things considered it is best done away with.
