It had to take a tragedy such as that which occurred in Naxxar last March and the subsequent discovery of more fireworks that were being stored illegally in residential areas, to act as a wake-up call for the government to take action.
Last week, the Justice and Home Affairs Ministry announced that tougher penalties will be introduced to act as a deterrent against those who abuse the law and put their own lives and that of others at risk.
What the government is proposing will amend an outdated law that goes back to 1937 – a staggering 71 years, even before World War II started. Yes, it has taken us so long to realise that the law needs to be changed to protect citizens from people who irresponsibly put their lives in jeopardy without them knowing.
Better late than never. And Dr Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici must be given credit for taking the bull by the horns immediately after taking over the interior ministry to propose a law which, it is hoped, will find the consensus of the opposition when it is debated in Parliament in the weeks to come.
What is evident at first glance is that the changes that are being proposed are not simply cosmetic ones, aimed to try to please both the public and the fireworks enthusiasts. The proposals, rightly so, aim to hit hard those fireworks enthusiasts who abuse the system. The safety of the people comes before the pleasure of producing fireworks and their storage.
The penalties that are being suggested for people caught running illegal fireworks factories and keeping illegal fireworks in residential areas are being heavily raised and will hopefully serve to stop such illicit practices. The fines and the terms of imprisonment that are being proposed should go a long way in deterring people from behaving in such an irresponsible manner.
The introduction of new crimes – a person can be found guilty without the prosecution having to prove his or her negligence – and the fact that the police commissioner will have the right to close down a factory for a month if there is a founded suspicion of foul play, also clearly shows that the government means business.
The urgency with which the minister aims to push the bill through Parliament adds to its importance. Although it would have been better if the law had been enacted and implemented before the season of feasts started, at least it is now known that by the end of summer Malta will have a much stronger version of the law we have today.
The word “implemented” has specifically been used because, unfortunately, there have been cases in the past when laws were passed but are not enforced.
The public must give a helping hand in this. Just as much as many complaints were filed with the police soon after the explosion that killed two people in Naxxar took place last March, the public must continue to cooperate with the authorities to expose people who do not abide by the regulations.
On their part, the police must investigate – as they have done – all reports that come in and charge people accordingly. The courts must then do their bit by being harsh with people who are proven guilty.
By changing the law, the government would have done its part in trying to bring about a better sense of responsibility. It would then be up to the public, the police and the courts to play theirs.
Nobody is saying that fireworks should be banned. But no amount of fireworks is worth any one life that has been lost because of them.