RGP ‘Cluelessly’ Plays Down Public Outrage on Fireworks

Leo Olivero

Our report last week regarding the illegal use of fireworks on New Year’s Eve generated a considerable amount interest and anger from members of the public.

 Organisations, tenant associations and many individuals have expressed and continue to put forward their concerns in the irresponsible and dangerous manner many people discharged fireworks, before, during and after the new years celebrations.

Criticism has also been levelled at the authorities, particularly the enforcement agencies for doing next to nothing and of remaining silent regarding a potentially serious issue with consequences on safety and damage to property as main elements, but also on the non-application or enforcement of the pertinent laws.

Of course the worse of it, came on news year’s eve itself where many people not only voiced concerns, but were and some still are enraged and critical not only of the authorities as already explained, but also at those people who let off fireworks in a totally irresponsible and illegal manner.

Respecting Values of the ‘Rule of Law’ Has Declined And a Growing Concern

In fact, Panorama has been flooded with letters, emails and personal visits to our offices by people who feel strongly about the issue. An important end of year community celebration, which has been converted into a ‘Lawless Wild West Show’ but with ‘No Sheriff’ in town to restore or apply order, it seems?

One Panorama reader Isabella Caruana –(Montegriffo) likened the illegal events of the night to ‘Gibraltar resembling ‘Dodge City’ without guns but with dangerous fireworks and how unbearable and out of control place Gibraltar is becoming, emphasising ‘there was no such thing as the ‘Rule of Law in Gibraltar’ as everyone does as they like’

Of course the public have an absolute right to complain and be critical of the authorities and the people who committed these offences that went unpunished, it appears now we know why it seems or may be not?

The RGP who were as hopeless as the HM Customs in applying any form of enforcement or in (in the customs case) effectively stopping illegal fireworks coming into Gibraltar. In a series of replies to our questions the police made matters even worse on how they dealt with the issue as a whole.

MORE IN PANORAMA PAPER EDITION

10-01-17 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR