Dear Editor,
I note with grave concern the report of the auditor general on the Jamaica Fire Brigade that was tabled in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
This report has disclosed that the Jamaica Fire Brigade, which is an essential service, has been the victim of a severe lack of funding and resources to effectively carry out its work. I was absolutely shocked to discover from the report that over the last five years, the Fire Brigade only received roughly $630 million when it really asked for $5.1 billion for its budget over that period.
What are the fruits of this neglect? Defective, or even inoperable fire trucks and boats, hell-hole fire stations, slow response times to emergencies, and the unnecessary, preventable loss of lives and property.
It must be noted that the Jamaica Fire Brigade does extraordinary work in our communities which must not be underestimated by anyone. It is absolutely shameful that any country would dare to treat its fire service in the way that Jamaica has treated its Fire Brigade. These noble men and women deserve their country's respect.
Does Gordon House or Jamaica House or some politician's house have to burn to the ground before the Government addresses this travesty? This supports my thought that the Fire Brigade is the most neglected essential service in this country. Do better, Government. That is, if the IMF allows you to.
Markel Virgo
markel.virgo@gmail.com
Shameful treatment of the fire service
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I note with grave concern the report of the auditor general on the Jamaica Fire Brigade that was tabled in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
This report has disclosed that the Jamaica Fire Brigade, which is an essential service, has been the victim of a severe lack of funding and resources to effectively carry out its work. I was absolutely shocked to discover from the report that over the last five years, the Fire Brigade only received roughly $630 million when it really asked for $5.1 billion for its budget over that period.
What are the fruits of this neglect? Defective, or even inoperable fire trucks and boats, hell-hole fire stations, slow response times to emergencies, and the unnecessary, preventable loss of lives and property.
It must be noted that the Jamaica Fire Brigade does extraordinary work in our communities which must not be underestimated by anyone. It is absolutely shameful that any country would dare to treat its fire service in the way that Jamaica has treated its Fire Brigade. These noble men and women deserve their country's respect.
Does Gordon House or Jamaica House or some politician's house have to burn to the ground before the Government addresses this travesty? This supports my thought that the Fire Brigade is the most neglected essential service in this country. Do better, Government. That is, if the IMF allows you to.
Markel Virgo
markel.virgo@gmail.com
Shameful treatment of the fire service
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