Having imported and handled explosives for rock blasting, for many years in the 1960s, I feel I could contribute some suggestions to deal with the recurring accidents in connection with fireworks, that are causing so much loss of life and misery among families.
The use of fireworks cannot be prohibited, because its use is a universally accepted culture in the celebration of special events. Therefore, the remedy is to find a way how to mix the explosive material then manufacture and store fireworks safely. While the problem is being addressed, the manufacture of fireworks is to be prohibited by law against heavy fines and imprisonment. Licenses for the importation of the materials, by which fireworks are made, should be withdrawn unconditionally, and all rooms where fireworks are manufactured should be demolished without fear or favour.
A group of enthusiasts, who already have a license to manufacture fireworks, should be organised together and helped by the government to form a limited liability company, that would be given a factory situated in the middle of nowhere, remote from any dwellings and public thoroughfares, where all fireworks would be manufactured and stored safely under strict control by the competent authorities.
The importer of the chemicals, by which the fireworks are manufactured, would be permitted to sell his chemicals only to the said company, subject to heavy fines and imprisonment in the event of default.
Fireworks for parishes would have to be manufactured on exclusive orders placed by the parish priest who would be held responsible to use the fireworks for which he would have placed the order. If fireworks are required by the government, then the police authorities themselves are to assume the responsibility of placing the order for the fireworks and the responsibility of having them all set off under their control.
It is a known fact that there exists keen competition between parishes for presenting the best show of fireworks. Such competitiveness could still be maintained, as production would be subject to the amount of money that a parish would be prepared to spend for the display of fireworks.
Hence, the solution to the problem is to centralise the production of fireworks, and to import, handle and have the chemicals mixed under strict professional control. This is an activity where amateurship has to be completely eradicated.
The production of explosives for rock blasting in Malta and Gozo has been ongoing for many years, without a single accident. It has been carried out professionally by a local company in a special building licensed purposely for such production, in a secluded area. Even the transportation of the explosives is made systematically under strict conditions, in conformity with rules and regulations applicable to the trade.
As far as I am aware this company is still active, and probably would oblige to offer its expertise in this trade, in addressing this problem, so that we will finally have a fool proof set-up, that would eliminate the possibility of fatal accidents, that have been occurring systematically in Malta with tragic loss of lives.