2013-August26
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August 2013 R E P O R T FIRE PREVENTION AND FIRE FIGHTING IN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES (SVG) August 2013 INTRODUCTION Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, part of the Lesser Antilles, is an island country in the Caribbean Sea. Composed of multiple islands, St. Vincent is a land of many contrasts. St. Vincent - the main population center - is mountainous and lush. Rainforests thrive in the interior and La Soufriere, while the northern region is dominated by an active volcano that last erupted in 1979. The country has a population of approximately 119,000 persons and an area of about 50 square miles. BACKGROUND The St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Fire Service is not a separate and distinct entity—it is a division of the SVG Police Force, referred to in this report as the Fire Brigade. OVERVIEW In order to ensure the safety of SVG’s population and economic resources (particularly tourism and agriculture), improving capacity for firefighting and prevention is absolutely essential, especially given the nation’s geography. Over the past few years, the island has suffered several devastating fires, including the destruction of a school building. More recently, census records housed in the main government building were also lost during a fire. The loss of the census data was a major setback given the value of such data to the country’s budget and planning efforts. The island’s firefighting and prevention capabilities have taken on added importance because SVG is in the process of building an international airport to enhance tourism. This modern structure—with a capacity to handle wide body, high passenger volume planes—is vital to the country’s development. The need for a well- integrated fire and emergency relief system is of paramount concern. The idea of a partnership between St. Vincent and Grenadines (SVG) and Martha’s Vineyard (MV) to address these issues originated in 2012 when La Celia Prince, SVG Ambassador to the United States officially made a request to Larry Palmer, U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. While the initial focus centered on firefighting and prevention, the partnership envisioned the establishment of further collaboration and exchanges in education, fisheries, artisan development, and tourism development. Early discussions of the partnership included the respective Ambassadors, the Department of State-INL, and the offices of Massachusetts State Senator Dan Wolf and the Dukes County Manager representing Martha’s Vineyard. After several initial discussions, all representatives agreed to meet on the Vineyard in January 2013. All parties agreed on furthering the two islands’ relationship with the “Sister Island Partnership”. It was further agreed that experienced firefighters from MV could contribute greatly by assessing similar 1 August 2013 needs and limitations affecting the islands SVG. Hence, two firefighters from the Vineyard- with fifty-five years of combined experience were sent on a five-day visit to SVG to assess the island’s firefighting and prevention capabilities and needs, in coordination with appropriate SVG staff . The scope of work included: • A needs assessment of the island's current abilities to carry out firefighting and prevention, with special consideration of staffing, location, capacity, training requirements, equipment and vehicle needs, maintenance of equipment, water supply, etc. • Share best practices • Review lessons learned regarding common issues on firefighting and prevention • Make preliminary recommendations to SVG officials, based on findings • Follow up with a written assessment/plan of action for use by the Government of SVG to carry out the next steps required to improve and implement the fire prevention and defense capacity for the country. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (Conclusions) Firefighters and the Fire Brigade are critical to national security. The establishment of a national fire firefighting and prevention service, with clear and independent structure of operation is crucial to the construction of the new international airport. Firefighting and prevention, while vital to the emergency relief system and the security of the country, can only be fully functional if integrated with other emergency relief agencies. The need for a standardized fire prevention/fire suppression island-wide working system should include: 1. hHospital access from all parts of island 2. Adequate roadways and a transportation system for emergency response 3. Disaster/Mass Casualty incident planning, response and training; and 4. Formulation of Hazmat policies and practices. Based on SVG’s plan for an international airport, the authors strongly recommend the implementation of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) framework. The ICAO assessment includes, at a minimum, the review of the facilities, organizational structure, training aids, curricula, instructors, evaluation plans, records technology for training, computer-based training capability (CBT), e-learning systems, trainees programs, and a quality assurance programs, among other things. 2 August 2013 GENERAL REPORT A. Governance Observations : Founded in 1871, the SVG Fire Brigade has a long and honorable history. During our visit, the command structure of the Saint Vincent and Grenadines Police Force was supportive of the Fire Brigade and its mission. There was a common feeling among members of the police force that the Fire Brigade service needed to be upgraded. The police force is divided into districts and individual districts are supervised by Superintendents. The Fire Brigade is led by an Inspector who serves under the Superintendent of the Traffic Department, located at the Central Division. It was noted that if a firefighter damages a vehicle during the course of his duties, he/she is responsible for the payment of repairs. We were told that the maintenance of vehicles and equipment was only done by police department mechanics. Stakeholders also reported that the main fire engine in St. Vincent requiring repairs could not be repaired. We observed that an ambulance was out of service; were further told of another fire engine and ambulance was still in need of repair long after accidents. It was also reported that although a radio repeater system existed, it was not operational due to need for repairs. Recommendations: The Fire Brigade should be commanded by an officer equal in rank to the geographic/ divisional commanders. Alternatively, elevating the Fire Brigade to a Department that reports to the Police Commissioner (via the Assistant Police Commissioner and Deputy Police Commissioner) instead of the Traffic Department would increase its status and lead to greater autonomy. In all instances, the SVG Fire Brigade must be assured that the nation’s leading public safety officials will support, protect and defend the Brigade’s rank and file. It is also vitally important that the Fire Brigade be given the autonomy to make its own decisions. There are many dedicated and intellectual individuals within the ranks of the SVG Fire Brigade. Of special note, Inspector James was the most knowledgeable. He displayed dedication and strong capabilities. With his insight and sound knowledge, he would be ideal to shape the Brigade into a very successful department, if provided supported. There should be an immediate change in accountability practices for individuals operating fire vehicles. Currently, all individuals operating a government vehicle are held financially responsible for damages sustained while on duty. It should also be made mandatory for firefighters to be trained on the safe operation of all fire apparatus. With limited resources and inadequate access to trained technical support, the ongoing maintenance of emergency facilities and equipment is a challenge. We recommend that all vehicles and equipment acquired should be capable of being easily maintained and serviced locally. In addition, the government should make budgetary allowances to demonstrate their commitment to the maintenance of public safety equipment. Donors should also be encouraged to supply the technical training and tools that are required to maintain their donations. 3 August 2013 B. Organizational Structure for Fire Brigade Recommendations: a. Professionalize the post b. Establish an autonomous command structure c. Establish a clear line of communication and authority within the Fire Brigade d. Establish a wage structure that encourages professional development, standards, accountability and performance e. Fire Chief duties should include: ° review of all new construction plans for government and business structures for fire safety and evacuation ° cooperation with the Building Code Department to assure life safety egress in public and commercial buildings ° Participate in Code Enforcement; and ° Work closely with the water authorities on SVG to establish formal participation in planning and review of all projects (so as to provide access to water for firefighting services and training activities). C. Infrastructure (Water, Roads, Public Works) Recommendations: Water Supply – Saint Vincent - While water is available on the mainland, it is not often accessible for firefighting. ° The water authority should be encouraged to install easily accessible 2 ½” (minimum) fill valves on all water tanks for Fire Brigade use ° Pursue the construction of “quick fill” water tanks (like at Arnos Vale) in all villages and/or Police/Fire Stations for Fire Brigade use to fight fires ° Encourage the installation of a fill valve anywhere a quantity