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Contact:
Rose Marie Harris
Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - The public has been called upon to support
the mission of the Saint Fire Service in providing quality service to the
nation.
Addressing the nation on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the Saint Lucia
Fire and Emergency Services, Tuesday September 14, 2004, Minister for Home
Affairs and Internal Security Honourable Calixte George explained some of the
ways in which public support could be useful. “Listen and adhere to the numerous
fire protection tips given to you; refrain from engaging in false calls to the
Fire Service; When giving information about a fire or other emergency, please
answer the fireman’s questions correctly for your answers are vital to an
effective response; Desist from making abusive and insulting calls to 911; The
corporate sector can assist the Fire Service immensely if your business
implement the recommendations made for fire protection purposes. These
recommendations are intended to protect you, the business investor; When an
emergency vehicle is proceeding to the scene of an emergency, all motorists must
pull to the left and stop.”
Meanwhile with the growth and development of Saint Lucia, new and increasing
demands are being made on the Fire Service. In fact a strategic plan was
developed in 2000 which served to position the department to achieve its
objectives. Minister George emphasised that government has responded positively
to that plan and as a result Saint Lucians are already witnessing the results
with the construction of new modern fire stations in a number of communities
with other stations soon to come on stream.
“Before year end, we will see the commencement of the construction of the Micoud
Fire Station, while plans are afoot to relocate the Fire Service Headquarters in
Castries which will provide for a more modern facility. Government has already
secured land near the Stadium in Vieux Fort for the construction of a modern
Training school facility intended to serve the OECS Sub committee.”
A number of fire service personnel are currently benefiting from government
awards and are on training at universities overseas, qualifying in subject areas
such as Fire Service Engineering, Fire Service Management and Mechanical
Engineering. “Upon the return of these officers, we will be better equipped to
meet the technological challenges currently facing us and we will have the
technical capability to determine in quick time, the causes of fires. Presently
three fire officers are studying overseas, specialising in fire cause
determination.”
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