Chairman of the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) Nadra Nathai-Gyan says it is up to the T&T Police Service to enforce the laws and fine members of the public for using fireworks illegally.
"People call only the EMA and forget the Police Service who can also enforce the laws. It is under their remit under the Summary Offences Act. We in the EMA have been trying to educate the public that there are means of recourse that will be quicker," she said.
Speaking in support of efforts by Public Administration and Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie to ban scratch bombs and other illegal fireworks, Nathai-Gyan said silent fireworks should be considered as an alternative to the noisy explosive devices.
She said the public can contact the EMA which has an Environment Police Unit to enforce noise pollution laws.
"Once we get called, it is a matter of enforcement. Once the EMA comes they can apply the fine. They have to measure the noise," she explained.
Nathai-Gyan, who is also a conservation advisor to the Zoological Society of T&T, said for New Year's Eve staff at the Emperor Valley Zoo in Port-of-Spain stay around to comfort animals who are affected by the noise of the fireworks from the nearby Queen's Park Savannah.
"There are skittish animals that are liable to run around and get very frightened. The zoo keepers stay in order to ensure the animals are okay and to calm them and make sure all is well," she said.
CEO and managing director of FireOne Fireworks Andre Abraham said his company was not affiliated with anyone who sells scratch bombs or illegal fireworks and supports efforts to eradicate them.
"We are encouraging our consumers to buy from licensed retailers, not unknown persons. There are some illegal products that come into the country such as scratch bombs," he said.
"There is no labelling on those products and the materials are not tested, which is a vast contrast to what we import which undergoes a vigorous testing process. We are encouraging all our customers to show some level of respect and consideration for their neighbours."
Abraham, commenting on the popularity of fireworks, said: "Where every day you are bombarded with negativity, people are fed up of being bombarded with problems and for one moment, on one night, they want to be in a celebratory, optimistic frame of mind.
"When the fireworks go in the sky it represents their aspirations for light over darkness, positive over negative, which is something we cherish."
He said fireworks sales have been good since the start of the Christmas season.
$1,000 fine applicable
Under the Fireworks Permits Regulations, police permission is needed to use fireworks. Also, the Summary Offences Act: Section 99 (1) states: "Except as prescribed by regulations under this act any person who throws, casts, sets fire to or lets off any fireworks within any town is liable to a fine of $1,000."
Animal welfare tips
Renae John, founder of the Mustapha Project, a dog rescue organisation, said it was simple for pet owners to take precautions to prevent their animals from escaping during the News Year's celebrations.
"People don't understand how simple it is to secure their pets. I stay home and keep them inside and have proper identification with my name attached because accidents do happen," she said.
John said a simple $30 tag could help with quick identification of pets that run away.
"Keep them inside, or you can lock them in a kennel with toys to keep them occupied when fireworks at their full boom," she advised, adding that dogs tug at chains and could strangle themselves.
"I don't think we can get a ban any time soon but there are certain precautions that can be taken," she said.