BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — AS part of its ongoing efforts to support public safety and strengthen fire response capabilities in the Federation, St. Kitts Marine Works has donated bunker gear to the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services.
Director of St. Kitts Marine Works, Regiwell Francis, said the donation—valued in the thousands of dollars—includes protective gear and equipment designed to improve the safety of fire officers while on duty.
Francis explained that the contribution followed discussions with firefighters after a blaze damaged part of the company’s New Guinea operations back in August last year.
“When speaking to the firemen and asking how I could help, they pointed out the need for personal protective equipment. This equipment is very expensive,” he said during a phone interview.
Francis recently presented the Fire Chief with a quantity of pants, jackets, helmets, boots, and protective hoods, which he sourced from the United States.
The donation comes at a critical time for the Fire and Rescue Services, which has been responding to a number of fires in recent months. Deputy Fire Chief Timothy Martin welcomed the gesture, telling SKNVibes News that the service always appreciates donations of gear and equipment that enhance firefighting efforts.
“The job our fire officers do is very dangerous and risky. These items will be put to immediate use," Martin said. "We have officers in need of gear, and this donation will definitely strengthen our operations."
Francis also stressed the importance of greater corporate social responsibility within the private sector to help maintain safety across the Federation. He noted that national development is not solely the government’s responsibility, and that private businesses play a vital role in supporting the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
