Kathy Raymond has been named Fire Officer of the Year.
Raymond was presented with the award by Minister for Justice, Immigration and National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore on Wednesday morning.
She said she was not surprised at earning the award.
“I’m not surprised because I pride myself in hard work,” Raymond, who has been an officer for 13 years, said. “I love things to be done properly. I love to get things done… I just thank God for the opportunity and try to do my best in everything.”
She believes that her work ethic has set her apart from her colleagues and was the deciding factor for receiving the award.
“I think (it’s) hard work and dedication. They say ‘everything worth doing is worth doing well,'” she noted.
Meanwhile, Blackmoore commended Raymond for her exceptional work and said he is elated that a woman has received the award.
“I’m happy, I’m very elated, that today, in 2016, that the outstanding officer can be a woman,” he stated. “It demonstrates, therefore, that women are equally competent to work well in certain occupations, and that we have departed from the stone age of believing that to be a fire officer, or to be a police officer, you have to be a man.”
He went on to declare that we must promote a society in which both men and women can thrive equally.
“We have to depart from that male-ordered concept that certain occupations belong to man or woman,” Blackmore noted. “I believe with application, commitment, and diligence, anybody, be it a man or woman can do what he/she wants to do. And I believe that we, as a government, must ensure that we have an environment which encourages all and sundry, notwithstanding your gender to enter into the labour force, and perform any task which he/she wishes to do.”
I wish to congratulate Kathy Raymond!
I grew up in a culture that drew a line down the middle. On one side were man’s jobs. On the other side were women’s jobs. A woman who dared to do a “man’s” job was frequently held in contempt. But in time it became obvious the women were doing as well or better than their male counterparts and the public thinking began to change.
Kathy, you have chosen a noble career. You are a first responder and a front line emergency worker: If God has qualified you for the job and it is what you want for your life that is reason enough to seriously consider it.
Accept nothing less than respect from your male counterparts. Put up with absolutely no verbal or physical abuse.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
this is utter nonsense Fire Chief , you make the fire department look very bad , officer works in administration and she works and works .
what about the Fire Officers who risk their lives going to petite Savanne and spend days up there. I heard their stories on DBS radio and this was great effort, courage and bravery displayed by these officers. why were their efforts not recognized? Was she part of this team? If yes then she deserved being Fire Officer of the year. 1
This lady needs to learn how to be humble.
I am unimpressed by her comments! It smacks of arrogance and pomposity.
wow Kathy Congratulations Penville Massive
Congrats girl cathy! u make us all proud in Penville!
I have read, however I do not know this lady from adam…could someone put some more meat to this award for this lady by hi lighting to me some exact areas of performance done on her behalf . .the sight at ion is vague … I have not felt the blessing from the boss enough in my reading… just to stand at a podium and say, “I like to” I say that every day… give me some meat.. my teeth are very healthy ,
I have a concern about awards in fire house…we do it here on strat… and for the past 19 years ..I am the only female of four in the fire house that drives any of all the vehicle …and the only female who attended all call while on duty.. the others whenever call of emergency they are been shield because of work place discrimination . ..but yet I still continue to funtion without an award ever….
but I guess when ever you are that person to run and carry news to a boss to aid him to kill anther person on the job you must be a, “cast away”.
However I am on the salaries list and unless I resigned or if God has a plan. I intend to be working until my time is up..
I have seen soo many discrimination in my 19 years …the bible speaks about the devil who has a fear share in ruling this world.. “who am i”
Congratulations Kathy Raymond! You make us all proud…
This is unfair to many of the other hard working Fire Officers. I am left to ask these Questions,
1. what are the requirement for selection of Officers?
2. Who were the persons deliberating on that committee if there was any or was it a one man decision?
3. And was the committee and independent body from the Fire and Ambulance Services analyzing the various profiles submitted by the station officers. or maybe no files were submitted, just thinking….!!
This is a new era. Times have changed. Many women fought for this equality. If they can perform these jobs, by all means, employ them. They must first undergo the training and be successful. These women must be physically strong.
Congratulations to Fire Officer of the Year Kathy Raymond You have done well. You have excelled and deserve this award. Good luck for future endeavors God bless you!.
Consider bygone years. Certain jobs were considered men’s jobs. In those days, most married women of all were not employed. They stayed home to also take care of their children. This is why certain jobs as fire and police officers appeared to be solely men’s job.
Today, more women are out in the work force and have proved they are capable of assuming this responsibility. Some are crane operators. Others are bus drivers, etc. Their work is doubled, working out and in the home.
Having stated that,
the fire officers at melvillehall are not recognized they don,t even know this even was taking place they a neglected by there chiefs
Go over your spelling, man.
I didn’t read anywhere where she put out any fire, or help put out a fire, or rescue someone from a burning house/building. So is only she that’s taking her job seriously? She must be a poto labor supporter. Why wasn’t the “president” the one to present the award? Dominica, Oh Dominica. I feel sorry for you Dominica.
Well done Cathy.
I wish the police officer who think like here . Take a page from her and pride you all selves to your performance to your duties to the nation..
And there would be no reward for that. Makes no sense at all to the police officer that’s why they are resigning so early. The recruits are getting the reward without even performing. Politics running the police force so there is no need to work hard to deserve any reward.
Well done, well done, good luck, keep it up .Our lives in your hands
“Well done” for WHAT? For showing up for work? All you are crazy as hell. She even looks surprised that an award is given her for simply performing a duty for which was hired and paid. Zor kay sav.
Well done Lady, you should be promoted to Chief, because not even the chief himself can put his foot in your shoes. All they do is fight for position and talk crap. Good work.
congrats… well done
Congrats Cathy.
Congratulations Mrs. Raymond!
A. Austrie