CAFF Elects New Executive Board

The Caribbean Association of Fire Fighters held its General Meeting and Election of Officers recently during its 5th Biennial Conference in Dominica. The new Executive Board (2009 - 2011) is as follows: President Mr. Charles Ramsaroop (Trinidad & Tobago), 1st Vice President Mr. Egbert Samuels (Dominica), 2nd Vice President Mr. Shane Felix (St. Lucia), General Secretary Ms. Morella George (Trinidad & Tobago), Treasurer Mr. Ernle Fields (Barbados) and Assistant Secretary Treasurer Mr. Vachel Murrein (Montserrat).

During the General Meeting the following persons were also elected as Representatives: Ms. Melissa Bishop (Barbados), Mr. Sidney Allen (Montserrat), Mr. Compton Sparman (Guyana), Mr. Everrette Orgarro (St. Kitts/Nevis), Mr. Malcolm Christian (Dominica), Mr. Samuel Ilin (Martinique), Mr. Damian Jn Baptiste (St. Lucia), Mr. Elvis Reever (Antigua & Barbuda), and Mr. Ancel Lemissy (Trinidad &Tobago).

Mr. Nigel George (Trinidad & Tobago) and Ms. Dehola Jacobs (Guyana) have been designated Trustees of the Association.

First Ever CAFC Firefighter Challenge

The first ever CAFC Firefighter Challenge will be held at this year's annual conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica November 16 - 20, 2009. Fire Chiefs and their Deputy Chiefs in the Caribbean have been notified to start the selection process now. Trophies, medals and cash prizes to be awarded - but who will win the challenge!
The CAFC Firefight Challenge Course

The challenge course is a series of firefighting events performed by each individual competitor, designed to simulate various aspects of the daily life saving work of the firefighter.

Every competitor must be from a Caribbean Association of Fire Chiefs member nation and show proof of firefighter training from their assigned Station Training Officer, Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief or other such duly assigned officer. They must also sign a liability waiver form before competing. This is a time based competition for the best time. The course is run in full bunker gear and filled SCBA (mask on).

Notification of intent to send firefighters to compete in this year's Firefighter Challenge event in Jamaica at the CAFC November event (16 - 20) must be made by October 31, 2009.

The cash prize awards for this event totals $3,500 USD.

For more information visit: http://joincafc.org/

5th Biennial CAFF Conference Starts Tomorrow In Dominica

The Caribbean Association of Fire Fighters (CAFF) will convene its 5th Biennial Conference from October 12 - 16, 2009 in Dominica. This year's conference theme is “Redefining the Caribbean Fire Service – A New Perspective.” The host organisation will be the Dominica Fire Fighters Association.

Organised by firefighters for firefighters the biennial conference has become the focal point for the Caribbean firefighter. CAFF 2009 will bring together regional fire service personnel and other industry professionals over a five day period.

Apart from the business meetings and workshop sessions, conference delegates can also look forward to several social and recreational activities during the conference including a scenic island tour, football match and a cultural evening.

Three Businesses Destroyed In Regent Street Fire

Pandemonium broke out on Regent Street last evening when a fire, believed to be electrical in origin, destroyed three businesses.

There was a blackout in the area, and eye-witnesses say that when power was restored around 17:00h, some power lines burst into flames and the fire leapt on to the Household Electronics building. At the end of it all, it was estimated that millions of dollars had gone up in smoke.

The gutted buildings are Household Electronics, which sold clothing and household appliances, their storage bond behind, which also housed a pet shop, and DM Beauty World Store, the cosmetic store.

Within half hour the fire had raged out of control as the Guyana Fire Service tried desperately to control the flames, fuelled by perfumes and other chemical substances from DM Beauty World Store.

The conflagration started at Household Electronics Store and quickly engulfed the entire building, and then it spread to the bond building behind it and the next door store, DM Beauty World.

New Equipment For Fire Service

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) yesterday received three water tenders, one water carrier and one Land Rover from Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee.

The handing over took place at the National Park, Thomas Lands, Georgetown, following a drill display, and coincides with Fire Prevention Week, with the theme: “Fire Prevention needs everyone attention”.

Minister Clement Rohee, in brief remarks, told the gathering that the administration recognizes the work of the GFS and is seeking to retool the entity and enhance its capacity.

The minister pointed out too that as part of the Ministry of Home Affairs strategic plan for the GFS, several new facilities units have been constructed countrywide, and these will be equipped.

He said the current expansion programme saw the construction of a new fire station at Bartica in Essequibo and Rose Hall, Berbice.

Rohee added that the government of Guyana has made $318M available to boost GFS mechanisms, even more so to deal with the current El Niño weather pattern.

He said that new appliances are expected shortly, including one for the aircraft at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CIJA).

Rohee pointed out that with the newer appliances, the GFS will eventually reduce the loss of lives and damage to property in fire fighting.

Meanwhile, the Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle expressed gratitude to the Ministry for the timely gift.

Mr. Gentle noted too that new emergency vehicles will be added to Regions Two, Three Seven and Ten.