| KINGSTON, June 30 (JIS): |
|
Minister of Local Government, Community Development
and Sport, Portia Simpson Miller has said that Cabinet was determined
to ensure that the Jamaica Fire Brigade could discharge its responsibilities
in full and ensure the proper functioning of the island’s fire
services. She was making her presentation to the Sectoral Debate in Gordon House yesterday (June 29). Mrs. Simpson Miller disclosed that on Monday (June 28), Cabinet had received a report from officials of her Ministry and the Ministry of Finance and Planning who had met at the direction of the Prime Minister, under the guidance of the Cabinet Secretary, to undertake a detailed examination of the budget of the Jamaica Fire Brigade. The results of this exercise, she informed, would be “reflected” in the supplementary estimates to be brought before the House. The Minister said special attention would be given to the servicing of fire hydrants, the provision of uniforms and protective gear for personnel of the services on a phased basis. She used the opportunity to commend the men and women of the Brigade for their “tireless and selfless work under extremely adverse conditions” and for their patience and commitment to the service. Mrs.
Simpson Miller further informed that over the next 12 months the
strategic approach of the Jamaica Fire Brigade would involve the
rehabilitation of the Fire Brigade, which included the procurement
of new vehicles now being finalized by the Ministry of Finance in
consultation with the Ministry of Local Government, Community Development
and Sport; the rehabilitation of the existing fleet, where possible,
the procurement of firefighting equipment and protective gear, and
a comprehensive evaluation of the fire stations with a view to rehabilitation
or replacement. |
