BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – EVER so often, the Federation is rocked by news of the unfortunate demise of a child, whether by fire, vehicular accident or drowning. The need to reduce the likelihood of these occurrences was the driving force behind the commencement of the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue’s Summer Safety Programme in 2002.
Yesterday (Jul. 22), children between the ages of 5 years and 12 years inclusive, began participation in the 13th edition of the programme which is being held under the theme “Children’s Safety is Our Responsibility”.
Dispersed among the Basseterre, Tabernacle and Sandy Point Fire Stations, the children will be exposed to vital information about the fire safety, water safety and traffic safety and they would also be fitted with several disaster tips which they can apply to prevent, or in the event of an emergency.
Described as a “three-day educational adventure”, Dr. Michael Blake of the Education Department said pogramme is fully endorsed by the Department.
He said education is the best vehicle to transport people from obscurity to prominence and programme is one which has education as one of its main aims.
His stern advice to the participants was for them to pay attention to each presenter and take heed to their teachings.
The children were indirectly challenged by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Osmund Petty to take the information they would receive over the three-day programme and share it with their parents/guardians and teachers.
The programme was created by former Fire Officer Natalie Fough and according to programme coordinator Fire Station Officer Leroy Caines, since its inception, there has been significant reduction in the incidence of fires caused by children, death of children by fire, false alarms raised by children and death of children by drowning.
Corporate citizen Delta Petroleum, through its Regional General Manager Bevis Sylvester, has pledged its sponsorship of the programme for the upcoming five years to the tune of $15,000.
The programme would end in Friday (Jul. 24).
