The Editor, Sir:

Mr. Editor, it is with deep regret that I note that Mrs. Shahine Robinson, the Member of Parliament of North East St. Ann and Councillor Delroy Giscombe, Mayor of St. Ann, made a public statement implicating Minister Dean Peart and myself in interfering in the running of the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

Let me categorically state that since my appointment as Minister of State in the Ministry of Local Government and Environment with portfolio responsibility for the Fire Service, as well as other agencies, I have never interfered or sought to influence the decision of the Fire Service which is rightfully the commissioner's. In other agencies/departments that fall under my jurisdiction, heads of department or boards deal with their administrative matters.

I discussed the allegation at length with Minister Peart, and like myself, he did not, and has no intention of interfering in the administration of any agency that falls within any government agency or ministry.

Furthermore, let me remind MP Shahine Robinson that the Jamaica Fire Brigade and Kaiser Bauxite Company have an agreement where the bauxite will always help in emergencies like these.

On behalf of the ministry, government and people of Jamaica, let me publicly commend Kaiser Bauxite as a corporate citizen for their support and dedication.

I am, etc.,

HARRY G. DOUGLAS

Minister of State

Ministry of Local Government

& Environment