Deputy Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Robert Been, is urgently calling on the Progressive National Party (PNP) Administration to address what he describes as critical issues concerning the Fire Service in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Been, in a statement to the media pointed that the PDM has learnt that there is just one fire truck in Providenciales is currently operational, which he said was fire tanker and not a fire truck.
“It has been confirmed that the others have been out of service, with one that has been in disrepair for over a year. This constitutes gross negligence by this PNP Administration, and the PDM is demanding that the Minister responsible explain why the Fire Service, a crucial component of emergency response, lacks the necessary equipment to carry out its mandate effectively,” Been charged.
“The situation is so dire that several Fire Service members are compelled to use their own private vehicles to respond to emergencies,” Been added, who also sent photo of ……to the media.
He further noted: “We wish to remind all Turks and Caicos Islanders that our firefighters, first responders, and their respective departments must have all the necessary resources and equipment to fulfill their functions effectively. This is a matter of national security and should not be taken lightly.
“Recent pictures and videos provided to the PDM depict the poor condition of the fire trucks and their limited capacity to respond to a recent holiday fire. This serves as further evidence of the lack of care and concern for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands by the PNP Government.
“The PDM is urgently calling for immediate action to safeguard lives and property in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Responding to an active fire is a matter of life and death and should not be downplayed, but the lack of concern, as demonstrated by this Government, which is well aware of the circumstances, have taken no action to address them.”
Been wants to Home Affairs Minister Hon. Otis Morris, under whose aegis the fire service falls, to explain the reason for the debilitating situation at the domestic fire service and his plans for addressing it.
“I am calling on the minister responsible to explain to Turks and Caicos Islanders why this situation has gone unaddressed for so long. This is a matter that impacts all citizens, as no one knows when or where a fire will take place.
“Therefore, we must be in a state of readiness to respond swiftly and efficiently. The PDM also wishes to express sincere gratitude to the hard-working firefighters who go above and beyond the call of duty to protect our people. The PDM notes that our first responders should be properly compensated for this vital work and calls on the PNP Administration to review the pay scale for these workers who put their lives on the line when duty calls in service to our people.
“Furthermore, the PDM urges that this administration ensures that all firefighters are equipped with proper life insurance coverage. We, the PDM, are committed to representing the best interests of all Turks and Caicos Islanders and will work to ensure that matters of national importance are promptly addressed in the public domain.
“I wish to remind Turks and Caicos Islanders that a major aspect of good governance is ensuring that your tax dollars are being put to good use; this is just one of many instances where this Administration has neglected the basic functions and responsibilities of government. The people deserve better, and the PDM pledges to deliver better,” Been said.
Robert Been, Deputy Leader
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