Responding to the public outcry surrounding firecrackers during the observance of Diwali President Bharrat Jagdeo has called on the judiciary to view the issue more seriously and to hand down the maximum penalty in cases where people are found guilty.

He said that firecrackers are a nuisance while pointing out that they are dangerous. However, he noted that many people never view them that way until it affects them or injures a member of their family. At the time, the President was speaking to reporters during a media briefing at State House two Saturdays ago.

Jagdeo said that the judiciary needs to get serious and hand out the maximum penalty when the police arrest and charge persons who are going around using firecrackers. He noted that the police had rounded up some persons and later instituted charges.

Firecrackers disrupted Diwali celebrations this year with reports emanating from several communities. Alexander Village was among the hard hit communities, and residents have complained bitterly about the presence of perpetrators in the village that set out only to disrupt the observances.

Though firecrackers are illegal they are still smuggled into the country and are openly sold in the markets.