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Firefighting efforts in trouble; 1 out of 3 stations opened on Tortola
While testifying before the House of Assembly’s Standing Finance Committee on the 2017 Budget, Chief Fire Officer in the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Services, Mr Zebalon A. McLean told the members that his Department is in urgent need of manpower and trucks.
He told the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) of the whole House that “five of the trucks had passed their useful life,” and a new truck (firefighting appliance) had been commissioned in January 2016.
1 out of 3 Fire Stations in operation on Tortola
In addition, because of the lack of trucks, Mr McLean told the body that on Tortola for example there are three fire stations in the following locations: Road Town, Greenland and Cappoon’s Bay; however, only Road Town's was in operation.
To this, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly (HoA) and the Member for the Fifth District Hon Delores Christopher asked for the reasons. The Fire Chief said “it is due to a lack of the requisite equipment.”
Mr McLean added once this is addressed, “they would be re-opened.” The Chief Fire Officer indicated that to have a full operation he will need 75 officers, but at this time he only has 58. Out of that number there are 2 assigned to Anegada, 6 on Virgin Gorda, 2 on Jost van Dyke and 48 on Tortola.
The Fire Services Department comes under the Ministry of Communications and Works and provides a vital service during fires, auto accidents and other general emergencies.
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34 Responses to “Firefighting efforts in trouble; 1 out of 3 stations opened on Tortola”
Now you're trying to be a "stand up person" ?
A Day Late and a Dollar Short
But Thanks for the effort nonetheless
It's going to be a very exhausting 3 years to go!!!
Our roads
Police stations
Fire stations
Our young people
Access to our beaches
Lack of jobs for our people
Our health care
I can go on and on
Lord have mercy....
There is a major disconnect between the Premier/Deputy/MVW/MV and the People and that is why several of the backbenchers and a Minister had to say not now for the airport as they are hearing the cries of their many constituents. The Premier and his followers live in an alternate robust universe from the majority of the people.
NDP inherited a country of rubbles which they are addressing albeit piecemeal as they are simultaneously introducing innovative and necessary means to boost the economy and employment opportunities.