Basseterre, St. Kitts (August 04, 2004): The importance of fire, road, water  and railway safety was stressed to more than 100 young people attending the 3rd annual Fire and Rescue Services Safety Programme.

 

The three-day workshop began today at the Fire and Rescue Services Headquarters at Ponds Industrial Site. Coordinator Natalie Fough said the  programme, which targets persons between age 5 - 12 years, has grown tremendously since its inception.

 

The programme debuted in Nevis before the start of the Culturama festivities. A total of 112 children from St. Kitts and Nevis are involved in this project.

 

Most of the students were recruited to attend via their respective primary schools. The coordinator acknowledged the assistance of the schools and thanked Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Nicholls Trading Ltd for sponsoring the educational camp. She also paid tribute to the volunteers from Reed Data Services (RDS). 

 

Mrs. Fough indicated that their contributions have yielded numerous successes for the programme as there has a been a dramatic decrease in the number of prank calls, and fire reports caused by children playing with matches.

 

Force Personnel Officer Joseph Halliday delivered three sticking points that he encouraged the children to remember. He implored them to not follow bad company, tell an adult when there is a problem and have fun at this year’s event.

 

Meanwhile, a senior fire official predicted the continued growth of the programme and encouraged other parents and businesses to get involved in this venture.

 

The Fire and Rescue Services Safety Programme concludes on Friday.