The Government’s decision to replace traditional fireworks with a full drone show and silent fireworks display for this year’s Independence Day celebrations is being welcomed by animal welfare advocates and Citizens Against Noise Pollution (CANPTT), who say the move could signal a shift in how T&T celebrates major national and religious occasions.
CANPTT vice president for public relations Tamara Chatar said the organisation was “extremely pleased” with the decision, describing it as a step towards balancing celebration with consideration for people and animals affected by excessive noise.
“We welcome this step forward, but it also highlights that wider problem we still have with noise in this country,” Chatar said.
She said the decision demonstrated that reducing excessive noise did not mean sacrificing culture or enjoyment.
“Culture and consideration can coexist. Celebration and responsibility can coexist,” she said, adding that celebrations should operate within “reasonable parameters.”
Chatar said fireworks and other sources of excessive noise could have a significant impact on vulnerable groups, including elderly people, babies, autistic persons and people living with invisible illnesses. She also pointed to the effect on animals, saying residents in Cascade animals.
She said CANPTT hoped the Government’s decision would eventually lead to stronger legislation and protocols governing fireworks, particularly with Divali and New Year’s celebrations approaching.
She said the organisation remained optimistic that legislative changes could follow the Government’s decision.
Fireworks Users Sufferers president Nalini Dial also welcomed the announcement, saying she had been concerned that fireworks would return to this year’s Independence celebrations.
She said the move was welcome news not only for people affected by fireworks but also for stray animals, dogs and other animals.
“If that is what they are doing, just the drone, we are very pleased,” she said.
She described drone technology as capable of providing a spectacular alternative while reducing the noise, headaches and environmental damage associated with fireworks.
Dial said she hoped the Independence Day decision would encourage a broader change in the country’s approach to celebrations.
“We hope that all the other festivities will also now adopt the drone and less noise,” she said.
She suggested that Divali and New Year’s celebrations could also move towards quieter alternatives.
Both Chatar and Dial said they hoped Government’s decision would mark more than a one-off change for Independence Day.
