Many Requests for Fire Department to Lend Expertise and Training to Surrounding Islands
The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams, as Minister of General Affairs tasked with Safety, received an update from the Fire Department regarding the regional activities it has been engaged in. Due to the professionalism of the Fire Department it has been requested by various neighboring islands in the region to lend its expertise. Amongst the various activities completed in the last few weeks by the Fire Department was the teaching of a course to the Fire Department of the British Virgin Islands on removing injured persons from damaged vehicles. The Fire Department also visited Anguilla to be a part of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Safety Fair where Section Head Disaster Management Paul Martens discussed mutual interests and reinforced existing relationships with Anguilla counterparts.
Also currently in preparation is a project for the interning of the Fire Chief of Montserrat on St. Maarten. The Government of Montserrat has requested that its Fire Chief be stationed on St. Maarten in order to experience the operations of the Fire Service here. The Fire Department of St. Maarten has an excellent regional reputation.
I am very pleased to know that the St. Maarten Fire Department is considered on of the most professional and effective Fire Fighting organizations in the region and just the mere fact that our officials have been requested to lend their experience and expertise to other islands and regions is evidence of this," stated the Prime Minister.