THE EDITOR, SIR:
FIREMEN COMPLAIN that the lack of fire units is one of the major obstacles facing the service at this time. The present units are old and thus are not reliable.
Most of the units have over 20 years service and are unable to respond to emergency calls effectively.
Of the over 32 fire stations islandwide, all or most of them are ill-equipped, making the service incompetent in handling emergencies. More needs to be done to bring the service to an acceptable level.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force is well-advanced in that area. Although there might be a vehicle problem in the force, nothing as acute as what the fire service is experiencing. Could you imagine the police force in this dilemma?
The Government sees some ministries as lesser than others. We are talking about a government agency which has to respond not only to fires but also to national disasters and emergencies.
The lack of proper management and administrative expertise is the fire service's demise and until this issue is addressed the service will remain in shambles.
Firemen should take a pattern from the police. They could organise themselves in a body, similar to the Police Federation. This would give them a stronger united voice.
A complete over-haul of the service is speedily needed to take it out of its current crisis.
I am, etc.,
ROY CRUICKSHANK
Port Morant PO
St. Thomas
