The Government of Saint Lucia has handed over two state-of-the-art fire appliances to the Saint Lucia Fire Service, a $36.3 million investment in the nation’s emergency response capabilities.
The initiative marks the largest single investment in fire service equipment in over three decades, according to Chief Fire Officer Ditney Downes. The new trucks are a critical step in modernising the fire department.
Downes hailed the move as surpassing the “wildest dreams” of the fire service. Speaking at Thursday’s handover ceremony at the Caribbean Cinema Car Park, Downes recounted a pivotal discussion with Prime Minister Philip J Pierre regarding the “deplorable state of appliances and equipment” in the central fire service.
The prime minister’s response was decisive: “Put the fire department’s needs in your upcoming budget, and I’ll take care of it.” True to his word, this historic investment has now materialised.
Pierre told the handover ceremony that while the government operates within tight fiscal limits, it remains committed to prioritising national safety. “What the government will continue doing is making the resources available within the fiscal limits of the country,” he said.
He called on fire officers to take their roles seriously and remain focused on their core mission.
Pierre also linked national safety directly to economic progress, noting that firefighting capacity is essential for a functioning tourism industry. “One of the things that cause our airports to be safe is if we have proper firefighting equipment,” he explained.
One of the trucks will be stationed at the airport.
The prime minister took a moment to recognise the fire service’s crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic. He credited first responders as the real heroes during the crisis: “You were the ones who left your homes, put on your protective gear, and took people to the hospital, not knowing what you were going to face. You deserve a round of applause.”
The norm when The Supreme Labor Party is running the government……..the last time the country saw any investments in our fire houses and equipment was during the reign of The Most Honorable KDA. At no other time has there been construction of fire houses and police stations.
$36.3m for two fire trucks????? No way Jose