BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE saddening news of the unfortunate demise of one of their colleagues is proving difficult for members of the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services Department to digest.
Fire Officer Javier Caines was shot while in a car in Sandy Point on Saturday evening (Mar. 5) and died before he could have been transported to the hospital.
Fire Chief Everette O’Garro told SKNVibes that members of his staff are not dealing with the news well and are distraught over the manner in which Caines was killed as well as the fact that he is dead.
He said one of the steps that his Department is now seeking to take is to get help for his officers in the form of counselling.
Asked about Caines’ work ethic and performance on the job, O’Garro described him as an “exemplary worker” who was “well-disciplined”.
Some fire officers have expressed their thoughts on the tragic event on their social media pages and two collective messages were posted on the Department’s Facebook page.
“The Fire Chief and members of the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire & Rescue Services would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and all who are bereaved on the untimely passing of one of our very own, Fire Officer Javier Caines. R.I.P brother we miss you.”
“It is with deep regret and a sense of sadness that we announce the passing of Fire Office Javier Caines Wishing his family, and friends, peace to bring them comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in their hearts.”
Caines had been a member of the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services Department since March 1, 2008 and was attached to the Fire Station at the Vance W. Amory International Airport at the time of his death.
His death brings to seven, the number of homicides recorded in the Federation for the year, and it comes after a one-month lull. The remaining six homicides took place in January.
