I applaud the incredible work

FIREFIGHTERS PUT themselves in harm’s way to protect lives and property. Indeed, braving the intense ferocity of fire to minimise loss of lives, injuries, and damage to properties is no easy feat. In that regard, I applaud the incredible work and dedication of every man and woman of the Jamaica Fire Brigade. Jamaica is truly grateful for your services.

Statistics show that fires are among the leading cause of homelessness in Jamaica. Between

January and September

2019, 1,772 persons were made homeless because of fires. Unfortunately, 23 persons lost their lives and 50 persons were injured in fires, including some of our very own firefighters. Contextually, 2019 has seen a reduction in fire and injures from fires, but one life lost from fire is one life too much. In that regard, initiatives such as Fire and Life Safety Awareness Week are integral to protecting and promoting life in Jamaica.

This year the brigade celebrates Fire and Life Safety Awareness Week under the theme, ‘Mek Wi Fix It…Community First!’

As we seek to make further improvements to service, the theme is indeed fitting, as it is in the communities that most of the unfortunate fires start, causing death, destruction, and grief.

As a Government, we have committed to making strategic decisions to improve the service.

Fire and Safety Awareness Week has been a catalyst to foster a closer relationship with the public. I commend the Jamaica Fire Brigade for its continued commitment to public awareness on methods to prevent fires, and to protect themselves and those around them.

I am confident that the brigade’s planned activities for the Fire and Safety Awareness Week will achieve its objectives to broaden the nation’s fire and life-safety awareness and reduce the number of incidents of fires, death or injuries caused by fires. Through the development of sustained fire and life-safety public education programmes, I am confident that the public will be engaged in fire protection.

Once again, I applaud the Jamaica Fire Brigade on the hard work done. I encourage you to remain committed and apply appropriate technology, fire-prevention techniques, rescue and firefighting tactics to fulfil your duties to the public. ANDREW HOLNESS Prime Minister