Dominica’s Fire Act to be reviewed

The revision of the Dominica’s Fire Act and administrative matters concerning the Fire and Ambulance Services are said to be on the cards, Minister for National Security Senator Alvin Bernard has said.

Bernard made the remarks during the annual conference of the Caribbean Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC), currently ongoing at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium.

He said discussions are taking place with key personnel on those matters.

“As we speak the ministry of national security is currently engaging the management and staff and other competent institutions in addressing outstanding administrative matters with the fire and ambulance service,” he stated.

Bernard noted that government is mindful of the challenges under which men and women of the fire service operate, and “in that regard we also consider the prospect of re-looking at our legal and administrative framework.”

“One example under consideration is our current Fire Act, and of course with the introduction of the extended hours of operations, at the Melville hall airport, the Act as it is currently written, requires some revision,” he said, pointing out the  government is “actively engaging all concerned in that regard”.

Bernard also mentioned that it is his hope that while the conference will give the opportunity to consider new technologies and other related products, he is suggested that firefighters use the opportunity to inform themselves on current and future policy related to their institution.

“Let me add that good policy must be legal, clear and affordable and practical and I believe that is where your organization comes in,” he pointed out.

He added that Dominica’s government has given “unprecedented attention” to the revision of existing and enactments of new legislation, investment in equipment, human resource development and infrastructure and the fire department is no exception.

The conference for the fire officers from eight Caribbean islands will run till December 6.