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New equipment for Fire Service amidst challenges

- Measures now being implemented to have Fire Station repaired
Chief Fire Officer, Mr Zebalon A. McLean expressed gratitude to Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) (Right) and the Government of the Virgin Islands for the Rapid Response appliances. Photo: GIS
The roof of the VI Fire and Rescue headquarter that was damaged by Hurricane Irma. Photo: VINO/File
The roof of the VI Fire and Rescue headquarter that was damaged by Hurricane Irma. Photo: VINO/File
in 2018, the VI Fire and Rescue headquarter which was extensively damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria of 2017, appears untouched with the exception of tarpaulin and plywood to support the structure. Photo: VINO/File
in 2018, the VI Fire and Rescue headquarter which was extensively damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria of 2017, appears untouched with the exception of tarpaulin and plywood to support the structure. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), has signed a purchase agreement for five Rapid Response appliances to be used by the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Services (VIFRS).

This is according to a release from the Government Information Services which states that the appliances include a Skid Unit and water tank for the sum $447,310.00, and one Vision Attack Pumper on a 2019 Ford F550 chassis with a Bronze JME Rear Pump for $341,000.00.

Difficult circumstances

Hon Vanterpool according to the release said he recognises that the officers are working under difficult circumstances, especially since the 2017 hurricanes. 

He said he is confident that the new equipment will boost the efforts of the team to save and protect lives, in addition, to prevent and extinguish fires.

Over the year, servicemen have been forced to exist in a mosquito, mould infested and waterlogged building which was extensively damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria of 2017.

Just recently, at a Thursday, December 6, 2018 press conference—on the deplorable condition of the First Station Building—Hon Vanterpool told the media, “we wish that we were able to do it a lot sooner [repairs]… but it took some time to get things in order to be able to get the Fire Station repaired and restored,” the Minister noted as part of an apology.

Gratitude

Chief Fire Officer, Mr Zebalon A. McLean expressed gratitude to the Government of the Virgin Islands for the Rapid Response appliances.

Mr McLean also applauded the efforts of his team and said that he is encouraged by the officers who continue to serve even in difficult circumstances and that his team will make the effort to employ whatever means available to serve the people of the Virgin Islands.

9 Responses to “New equipment for Fire Service amidst challenges ”

  • poor ppple fed up (09/12/2018, 14:51) Like (31) Dislike (3) Reply
    Mark should have resign over his failure on this situation... them belly full and we hungry
    • wize up (09/12/2018, 18:47) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ poor people: advantage never done
    • Ron (09/12/2018, 21:15) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      All leads back the the Premier he controls the money as the minister of finance....Bald head as the gym with no power.. the softball field aint look like education goin attempt to fix it...the spend money to cut the grass in high school before them had sign a contract to put in 4 windows.


      The NDP is a just giving we a cat in a bag and saying its all good
  • Tye (09/12/2018, 18:11) Like (21) Dislike (4) Reply
    This man needs to go home. Anguilla
    • wize up (09/12/2018, 23:28) Like (0) Dislike (8) Reply
      @ Tye: and where should the folks with the private yatching companies go: where the ones with the private villas go: where should those international real estate dealers go(just asking you) the truth be told some of those companies in our country simply exploiting our territory(most of them have nothing in the countries where them from/thank God for BVI)...the sea waters that our forefathers used to keep us alive back then have been taken over and now exploited by foreign enterprises(millions and millions per years and all our people gets is a few pennies: at times the department of customs have go after them before our country gets to recover our share of taxes: why u don’t speak out on such issues)...pause for a moment and look at your territory after those hurricanes: hardly any of those foreign companies lifted a finger to assist our people(noting personal): it is right here in these little islands they makes the millions: just as those companies make that cheddar; most of the income is automatically wired transfered to an international offshore account(get some balls and talk all; not some!!!)....nothing personal
      • Tye (10/12/2018, 14:42) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        @Wise up... (just asking you) the truth be told some of those companies in our country simply exploiting our territory(most of them have nothing in the countries where them from/thank God for BVI)...
        Not my concern where they go. Every country have souverinty to protect their own. Exploiting the Territory goes well for elected people also.
  • facts (09/12/2018, 18:53) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    More spin but we waiting for them
  • SHUT UP (10/12/2018, 09:43) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Y’all vote them in shut up
  • Political Observer (PO) (10/12/2018, 12:07) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    No doubt the fire equipment is needed to protect lives and property. However, protecting lives/health is the number one priority. The physical facility conditions at the main fire station is unhealthy. The gross neglect is shameful and shameful. Brand spanking equipment for an unhealthy and moldy building. Exposure to mould infestations poses health risks to fire fighters, admin staff........etc. Clearly, the main fire station building is probably a sick building and occupants suffer from building related illnesses (BRI). Mitigate the mold now; fire fighters and other personnel should not spend another microsecond in that building.


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