Gov’t Committed to Providing Resources for JFB – Minister Mckenzie

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is adequately equipped to perform its duties.

Speaking during the recent launch of Fire and Life Safety Awareness Week at the Police Officers Club in St. Andrew, Minister McKenzie said the Government will “never shy away” from providing the resources the JFB requires.

He noted that for the first time in Jamaica’s history, a 26-floor building is being constructed and, as such, “our fire service must be equipped to respond to a changing world.”

“That is why, in next year’s budget, we have put in money to give the Brigade capacity to go beyond 10 floors. So, you will now have the latest technology-driven trucks,” the Minister said.

Mr. McKenzie further pointed out that the use of technology is not new to the JFB, as it has always been a part of its response capabilities.

“Already we have seen the benefits of the drones that you have, which are being used across the country. You were able to detect, working with the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, bush fires using technology,” he said.

The Minister indicated that there are times when people will, in anger, say that the JFB did not do enough to respond to an emergency.

However, he emphasised that the dialogue should never be that “you could not respond because you lack the capabilities”.

“This will never happen under my watch as Minister or this Government,” Mr. McKenzie added.

Meanwhile, as the JFB observes Fire and Life Safety Awareness Week, Minister McKenzie is advising the public that “fire safety is everybody’s business” and, as such, it is important for them to practise personal responsibility.

“Without my house acting in a responsible way, without my neighbour acting in a responsible way, then all the trucks and all the technology that we can give to the Jamaica Fire Brigade can never negate the lack of personal responsibility,” he said.

Fire and Life Safety Awareness Week is being observed from Sunday, October 22 to Saturday, October 28 under the theme – ‘Fire Safety in a Digital Society’.