Gov’t buying 6 new fire trucks, equipment for BVI
A faulty fire truck on Virgin Gorda
Close to $800,000 is being pumped into the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Services to purchase new trucks and equipment for the department.
Members of Cabinet approved funds in the sum of $788,310 when they met on November 1.
Specifically, the money will be spent to purchase six fire trucks, five rapid response appliances, and what is known as a ‘rear pumper’.
This equipment is to boost the capabilities of the fire department, which has been described as being insufficiently resourced.
READ: VG fire officers operating under trying conditions
According to Cabinet’s latest report, the equipment is to be purchased instead of the three fire trucks they previously approved.
Minister of Communications and Works Mark Vanterpool claimed back in July that they had placed the purchase order for three trucks valuing a combined total of $230,000.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
About time too!
About time is right, however, what about the building that these first responders are currently working in more than one year after the hurricanes? I haven’t heard mention of it being repaired. Of course they needed the firetrucks, which is priority, but they also need a building!
So only when business is burn down to the ground the government knows hoe to purchases new fire trucks wow so amazing.
They said the same thing after the parker garage fire
but is how them say monies is being dumped into the department as if its a waste the department of fire and rescue is well needed of new and modern equipment to carry out successful duties as such large fires and for rapid response… ive been driving long the road and seen the fire truck drive pass me and saw the front wheel shaking as it bout to fall off what a risk to not one be outing fires but to be responding the such trucks that is life threatening
Read properly before you comment. Pumped and not dumped.
Adequate fire protection protects life and property, i.e., homes, businesses, schools, government facilities……etc. Lack of fire suppression in many areas creates hazards that may have put lives and property at risks. Specifically, owning a home is many residents major investment and asset. Moreover, enhanced fire protection can lower property insurance premiums. Further, the territory is growing rapidly, ie, population, properties……etc and needs more effective and efficient fire protection systems.
Therefore, investing $800K on fire protection is an important first step. However, the territory needs a strategic plan for locating, equipping, staffing and operating fire stations throughout the territory. Using Tortola as a model, the response time to each property throughout should be relatively the same, ie, 7, 8, 9….etc minutes. Some zones may have overlap. To attain this response time, more fire stations may be needed. Further, to provide this high level of service, may require assessing a fire protection fee (tax) on each property. Of course, all properties will not be assessed the same fee; the fee could be based on size, type of construction, levels….etc. A similar strategic plan is also needed for sister islands.
@ Leonard; no new taxes! For them man to squander and enrich themselves? Until the VI obtain a sensible and compassionate government- no new taxes! The greed is at an all time high around here with this divisive gutter politicking and elections have even been called yet. Imagine the mud-slinging that will begin…..exciting stuff m! Better than MMA
@Wha tax, true, the electorate must demand exemplary and effective steward of resources by government. It (government) must justify the need for new fees, taxes….etc and the collected fees or taxes must be efficiently and effectively employed for their intended purpose. The electorate must hold government feet to the fire, holding it responsible and accountable for its actions or the actions that it should have taken but it did not.
Nevertheless, the government deliver services, ie, roads, education, medical…..etc primarily from collected taxes, fees…etc. If residents want a high level of services, it must be willing to pay for it. This may not sit well with many but it is a reality. Water and electricity are self-supporting utilities I think. Other services come from fees. 60% of government revenue comes from financial services. The BVI has a service based economy.
make sure they have water when they get on jobs please. PURE BS
@Wha tax, true, the electorate must demand exemplary and effective steward of resources by government. It (government) must justify the need for new fees, taxes….etc and the collected fees or taxes must be efficiently and effectively employed for their intended purpose. The electorate must hold government feet to the fire, holding it responsible and accountable for its actions or the actions that it should have taken but it did not.
Nevertheless, the government deliver services, ie, roads, education, medical…..etc primarily from collected taxes, fees…etc. If residents want a high level of services, it must be willing to pay for it. This may not sit well with many but it is a reality. Water and electricity are self-supporting utilities I think. Other services come from fees. 60% of government revenue comes from financial services. The BVI has a service based economy.
Will they just send the older one to VG and Anegada? Or will we finally get the two trucks we require. New and in Good Condition
.