The Fire Department Caribbean Netherlands section Saba hosted a very successful 9th Annual Fireman’s Day celebrations from November 7th – 9th. This year the brigade expanded the activities to ensure greater participation of the Saban community. This did not go unnoticed as schools and the community participated in the activities which were educational and informative in nature.
The activities started on Wednesday with a ceremony at the Juancho Irausquin Airport. During this ceremony Pasto Liburd of the Wesleyan Holiness Church and Pastor Barry of the Seventh Day Adventist Church pronounced a blessing of the team of firemen. Island Governor Jonathan Johnson commended the firemen for their commitment and hard work in keeping the community safe. He further remarked he was particularly impressed and grateful for the rescue effort they undertook during a very serious car accident last year and encouraged the men to continue in that same spirit as they receive more training and much needed equipment to carry out their daily task.
On Thursday November 8th and Open House was held at the fire station in the Bottom. The exercise was well attended by students of the Sacred Heart School were treated to extensive explanation and demonstration of the use fire equipment. Civil servants of .That Thursday evening fire fighters supported by their colleagues working at the airport competed against students of the Saba Comprehensive School in a friendly and energetic basketball game which resulted in a victory 46 – 53 for the students.
Firemen visited the of the Saba Comprehensive School on Friday morning where students received a demonstration in how to use a fire extinguisher. Local Commander of the Fire Department, Julio Every, says he is very grateful for the positive response and support received from the community. "The Fire Brigade of the Caribbean Netherlands has as one of its main objectives to improve and build on relations within the community of each island. This 9th Annual Fireman’s Day was designed with that goal in mind. Our team has worked hard and the community has responded".
The celebrations culminated on Friday evening with a gala dinner at Scout’s Place. Acting Island Governor, Franklin Wilson, Mrs. Wilson, Local Commander of the Fire Department CN section St. Eustatius, Andre Bennett, and other invited guests joined the firemen and their spouses. The Acting Island Governor reiterated his admiration for the work which is carried out by the firemen and thanked them for their efforts on behalf of the Government and people of Saba.