BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services today (Apr. 8) received a boost in its operations when the Federal Government handed over a state-of-the-art ambulance, which was donated through a collaborative effort.
The ambulance, which was handed over in a simple but significant ceremony at the Fire Service’s Headquarters in Newtown, Basseterre, was made possible through the effort of several agencies including the Consul General in Dubai, the Fire and Rescue Services, a Saudi factory and the Ministry of Homeland Security.
In his feature address at the handing over ceremony, Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, speaking from a doctor’s standpoint, explained to the gathering the importance of the donated ambulance.
He said that St. Kitts should continue to reach out and partner with donors who would seek to improve the health standard in both the Federation and the region.
“As a medical doctor, I understand the importance of the ambulance. And as the Chief Spokesperson for Health within the CARICOM region, it makes it even more important not only in the pursuit of our health policy and programme but also the importance of continuing to extend a hand of cooperation and partnership with donors around the world, who are totally committed to the improvement of health within our country and the region.”
He noted that it is the government’s continued efforts to improve the reliability and capability of the services being provided.
The Prime Minister declared that the new ambulance would be put to “good use” and reflected that it was only recently he had participated in a similar exercise, where they received equipment to also aid in fire and rescue, which was donated by the People’s Republic of Taiwan on China.
Minister of Homeland Security Hon. Patrice Nisbett expressed his gratitude to be presenting a fully-equipped ambulance to the Fire and Rescue Services, so as to aid in rescue operations that the entity may have to undertake.
He added that the Ministry is “very thankful to the donors” for such a valued gift, which is being received at the most opportune of times, adding that it goes with the recent training received by several members of the Fire Service who are now certified
“It was just in 2013 that a select group of fire service members undertook a course of training at the JNF Hospital in basic medical emergency care. And on completion of this training all the officers who attended graduated as certified medical technicians.”
The Security Minister noted that the public would see an improved service with the arrival of the state-of-the-art ambulance.
“The new fully-equipped ambulance being delivered to the organisation at this time will no doubt be a welcomed tool. They would be able to use it to enhance and improve the service they provide to the general public in St. Kitts and Nevis.”
He added that his Ministry is “always appreciative of the tangible efforts of individuals and organisations” who of their own “volition” decide to partner with the government ministry.
“It is therefore with distinct honour to accept with profound thanks this gift of an ambulance to the Fire and Rescue Services. The ambulance would enhance our efforts in the area of search and rescue…one of the primary focus of this Department,” Nisbett added.
