151 Positions to Be Added to JFB

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has disclosed that 151 positions will be added to the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB).

“The training of firefighters has been an important feature since 2016, [and] since 2017, the JFB has added over 800 firefighters to its complement. This is an outstanding achievement. Since then, the Brigade has received approval from the Ministry of Finance [and the Public Service] for an additional 151 positions in the JFB. This will take the complement of the Brigade to over 2,000,” Mr. McKenzie said.

The Minister was bringing greetings during the official reopening of the Black River Fire Station in St. Elizabeth, on February 21.

Mr. McKenzie noted, further, that the complement of the Brigade’s fire-prevention division will be increased by 140 persons.

The Minister also announced that the Government will be purchasing another fire boat for the JFB.

This will be in addition to the two fire boats recently acquired.

Mr. McKenzie pointed out that the Government has, so far, renovated some 19 fire stations across the island.

The rehabilitation of the Black River Fire Station, which was officially reopened by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, was completed at a cost of $60 million.

The scope of work included the complete rehabilitation and expansion of the existing building, erecting perimeter fencing, paving of the compound and improving drains.

For his part, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, and Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Floyd Green, said the reopening of the facility marked an “excellent day” for the parish capital.

He noted that rehabilitation of the fire station, which serves as the divisional headquarters, is one of many public-sector investments in Black River by the Government and now stands as a “statement piece” that represents the progress and resurgence of the capital.

The facility serves several communities in and around the parish, including New Market, Holland, Pedro Cross, Flagaman, Turtle Beach, Middle Quarters and Luana, and Whitehouse in Westmoreland.