Robert Montague, minister of state in the Office of the Prime Minister, said Tuesday that the age-old problem of inadequate funding had hampered a much-needed overhaul of the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

"Available resources do not allow for a full-scale modernisation. Therefore, we are using a strategic, phased approach which will see us acquiring equipment over time," said Montague, who has portfolio responsibility for the fire service.

Among the areas to be targeted in the upgrade of the brigade are: strengthening fleet-management capabilities; improving training of firefighters; and refurbishing dilapidated fire stations and construction of new ones.

Establishment of a regional training school in Twickenham Park, St Catherine, is also on the cards. Two contracts have been issued for fencing and construction of access roads, and the Government is aiming to have the first phase completed by September.

Current projects

Other projects being undertaken include the construction of a fire station in Montego Bay, St James; renovation of the Santa Cruz fire station in St Elizabeth; and setting up a new headquarters for the fire brigade at Hagley Park Road, St Andrew. The headquarters is expected to be completed by July.

Montague was speaking at a ceremony for the handover of a Renault Midlum fire truck valued at US$500,000 (J$44 million). The vehicle was donated by the government of Turkey.

Arnold Foote, honorary consul general of Turkey in Jamaica, said the shortage of fire trucks in the island was having dire effects on the common man.

"I knew something should be done, and I felt that I had to find a way to help, as so many promising lives were cut short by flames that could have been doused with a fire truck that was accessible," Foote said.

Foote praised Kaydriye Kizildeli, Turkish ambassador to Jamaica, who was instrumental in brokering the arrangement.