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Jamaicans Urged to Make Fire Safety a Priority

By: , October 25, 2016

The Key Point:

Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, has called on households and business entities to put safety measures in place in order to reduce the devastating consequences of fires.
Jamaicans Urged to Make Fire Safety a Priority
Photo: Glenis Rose
Members of the Jamaica Fire Brigade participate in a march pass just before the start of the national church service commemorating the start of Fire Safety Awareness Week held at Wesleyan Holiness Church in Torrington, Savanna-la-Mar, on Sunday (October 23) under the theme ‘Don’t burn carelessly! Uncontrolled burning brings death and destruction’. Fire Safety Awareness Week is being observed from October 23-29.

The Facts

  • “It is without question that fires can derail economic growth and development, as was evident in segments of the agriculture sector in 2015. However, if we renew our efforts to prevent them and lessen their tragic consequences, the gains will redound to the benefit of all,” the Governor-General pointed out.
  • Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, in his message read by Caretaker for Eastern Westmoreland, Andrea Walters, said that fire prevention must be taken seriously.

The Full Story

Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, has called on households and business entities to put safety measures in place in order to reduce the devastating consequences of fires.

“Across Jamaica each year, fire is a major cause of damage to property and physical infrastructure and, sadly, loss of life. Risk assessment and careful monitoring of situations that are likely to result in combustion is important,” he said.

The Governor General’s remarks came in a speech read by Custos of Westmoreland, Hon. Rev. Hartley Perrin, at the national Fire Safety Awareness Week church service held on Sunday (October 23), at the Wesleyan Holiness Church in Savanna-la-Mar, under the theme ‘Don’t burn carelessly! Uncontrolled burning brings death and destruction’.

“It is without question that fires can derail economic growth and development, as was evident in segments of the agriculture sector in 2015. However, if we renew our efforts to prevent them and lessen their tragic consequences, the gains will redound to the benefit of all,” the Governor-General pointed out.

He commended the Jamaica Fire Brigade on its programmes to increase the awareness of citizens about fire hazards and how to reduce risks.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, in his message read by Caretaker for Eastern Westmoreland, Andrea Walters, said that fire prevention must be taken seriously.

He noted that the theme highlights the importance of personal responsibility in preventing fires and related injuries or deaths.

Hailing the work of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, the Prime Minister noted that the entity has been instrumental in reducing risks in Mavis Bank in St. Andrew and Maine in St. Elizabeth, which were known to be fire-prone areas. He said there have been vast reductions in the number of fires in the areas this year.

“During Fire Safety Awareness Week, we recognise and laud the invaluable contribution of our firefighters, who commit themselves selflessly to preventing loss of lives and property. These hard-working and brave Jamaicans carry out their duties extraordinarily, oftentimes in extremely life-threatening situations,” the Prime Minister pointed out.

“I wish the Jamaica Fire Brigade a successful week of activities as it endeavours to arm the nation with important information about fire safety and prevention,” he added.

For her part, Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Portia Simpson Miller in a message read by Public Relations Officer of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Emilio Ebanks, applauded the Jamaica Fire Brigade for utilising the annual Fire Safety Awareness Week observance to heighten public knowledge and awareness of the dangers of fires.

She urged all Jamaicans to support the week and expressed the hope that the activities will mobilise all individuals, families, and communities towards prevention and safety measures.

Fire Safety Awareness Week is being observed from October 23- 29.

Last Updated: October 25, 2016

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