On Wednesday, August 28, 2013 Minister of State in the Ministry of Local Government & Community Development the Honourable Colin Fagan, opened temporary facilities for fire fighters from the Barnett Street fire station in Freeport Montego Bay, St James.

Minister of State Fagan in declaring the facilities opened explained that while the Ministry was seeking to build a permanent structure at the Barnett Street location there could be no delay in finding a suitable location from which to operate a fire station for the city of Montego Bay. “After visiting the facilities last year, I immediately decided to organize a task force that would aid in finding solutions to the problems that persisted for many years” he pronounced.

The solution which the team came up with comprises two (2) retrofitted forty (40) foot containers that have been equipped with all the equipment and comfort that the servicemen and women need in order to perform their vital functions effectively.

While the State Minister could not give a commitment as to the date when the permanent structure would be ready he reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to upgrading the island’s fire stations incrementally. He pointed to work that was recently done at the Port Royal Fire station – The removal of their asbestos contaminated roof-, as well as, the Trench Town fire station. He added that pans are in place for work to commence on the Savanna La Mar fire station shortly.  He implored the firefighters not to be daunted the by challenges they face, but instead be encouraged and continue to provide the excellent service that they have been providing us with for so many years.