GREEN ISLAND, Hanover — Fire-service leaders from across 17 Caribbean territories left this year’s Caribbean Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) summit citing Jamaica as the region’s benchmark for up-to-date, firefighter-friendly legislation.
During the week-long conference (May 11–17), CAFC vice-president and Jamaica Fire Brigade deputy commissioner Kevin Haughton told delegates that many islands still rely on outdated statutes that “don’t reflect today’s high-risk rescues, forced entries, or other specialised duties.” Jamaica, he added, has moved decisively to close those gaps, thanks to reforms championed by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.
“Our amended laws now give crews the legal cover they need when performing non-traditional operations,” Haughton explained, pointing to new provisions that clarify firefighters’ authority in technical rescues and access to locked premises.
CAFC president Kenrick Hackett agreed, describing Jamaica’s progress as “evidence that regional modernisation is achievable when policymakers and fire chiefs stay in lockstep.”
Greener Gear, Cleaner Tactics
Beyond legal updates, speakers pushed for a parallel shift toward sustainability. Haughton highlighted Jamaica’s move to purchase environmentally safer foam agents and other “eco-conscious” gear. “The next frontier is protecting both the public and the planet,” he said, urging neighbouring services to adopt similar standards.
Conference Highlights
- Theme: “Fostering Regional Collaboration for Emergency Response.”
- Agenda: Strategy round-tables, live training drills, and knowledge-sharing workshops.
- Goal: Harmonise operational protocols and speed mutual-aid assistance across borders.
Attendees left Hanover with a clear call to action: upgrade laws, embrace green technology, and coordinate more closely—using Jamaica’s legislative playbook as a starting point.
