WILLEMSTAD — Minister Charles Cooper has publicly called for a ban on the import of loud fireworks in Curaçao, saying he has personally decided to stop buying fireworks because of the harm they cause to people and animals.
In a personal statement shared publicly, Cooper emphasized that he was speaking in his capacity as an individual and not on behalf of his political party. He said he had traditionally been a fireworks enthusiast and used to spend around 3,000 guilders on fireworks every year. This year, however, marks the second consecutive year that he has chosen not to purchase any fireworks.
According to Cooper, his decision was driven by concerns about extremely loud fireworks such as thunder bombs and sky bombs, which he says cause serious damage to people’s hearing and distress to animals. “Those explosions are so intense that they harm both humans and animals,” he said, adding that this realization led him to change his long-standing habits last year.
The minister said he hopes to spark a broad public debate, both inside and outside Parliament of Curaçao, about prohibiting the import of fireworks that produce excessive noise. He acknowledged that his position may be controversial, but said taking a stand is sometimes necessary.
“I know some people will attack me for this, but in life you have to stand for something,” Cooper said. “And this is what I stand for.”
In his message, Cooper strongly condemned the impact of loud fireworks on vulnerable groups. He called for an end to what he described as “terror” caused by fireworks explosions against babies, elderly people, and animals. Instead, he advocated for a shift toward fireworks that create visual effects without excessive noise.
“Let’s choose fireworks that produce beautiful displays without the deafening noise that harms vulnerable beings,” Cooper said.
His remarks add to an ongoing debate in Curaçao about fireworks safety, public health, and animal welfare, particularly as fireworks sales resume during the year-end season.