THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FIRE SERVICE AIMS TO IMPROVE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AS IT MOVES TOWARD MODERNIZATION.

The Department of Home Affairs on Wednesday, March 7, convened a critical review exercise with the management of the Saint Lucia Fire Service. The exercise was geared toward ensuring that management had a comprehensive understanding of the various pieces of legislation guiding the provision of service to the public, and identify gaps and where applicable to develop policies for the enhancement of service delivery.

The review process, facilitated by Ms. Tessa Charlotte Mangal, Legal Consultant within the Department of Home Affairs, scrutinized the legislative authorities which govern the Saint Lucia Fire Service.

Chief Fire Officer Mr. Ditney Downes expressed optimism that the review exercise will lead to the strengthening and updating of the Fire Service Act, the Industrial and Commercial Buildings (Fire Safety) Act and enhancing collaboration with the Department of Labour in the area of Occupational Safety and Health. He explained that the 50-year-old institution will be able to improve efficiency if underpinned by a legislative foundation that is more relevant to the current environment.

“We identified that we need to give urgent attention to the legislative review of the Department. We sought the assistance of the Legal Consultant with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ms. Tessa Mangal, and she has spearheaded this initiative. Today, she will meet with all senior officers within the department to discuss some of the critical changes that have been identified.”

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Department of Home Affairs, Mr. Ricky Quinlan, underscored to the management team of the Saint Lucia Fire Service that their roles and responsibilities require adherence to the rule of law and it is their duty to carry out their functions in accordance with the law.

“In pursuit of your duties, it is crucial that every action is guided by established policies and laws. This framework serves as a compass, conducted with a sense of fairness and justice. The community trusts in your abilities to respond to emergencies, and this trust is built upon the foundation of adherence to legal principles,” he said.

Mr. Quinlan described the legislative reform process as a proactive step to establishing a solid institutional framework toward modernization.  

The Saint Lucia Fire Service is also utilizing this period of review to make the necessary   internal operational adjustments to the Standard Operating Procedures of various units. This includes the development and documenting of policies to allow for continuity. It is envisaged that there will be stakeholder consultations to foster greater collaboration with key agencies in the near future.