Failing the Fire Grade

From media reports, it would appear that these two agencies failed us and not for the first time if the actual eye witness accounts from important public officials like the Mayor and Minister of Government.

Indeed, the Mayor was moved to visit the station house and see for himself the equipment and conditions under which fire officers operate. His comments were most uncomplimentary and confirm the public perception of the state of the fire services in the country.

As a sequel to the latest fires, I appeared on a panel discussion together with a senior officer from the Fire Services in a current affairs programme on local television addressing the state of preparedness of the authorities to fight major fires and as usual time is almost always too short even for a full hour to have the issues fully ventilated.

NO CONFIDENCE

From the tone of the discussions and the viewers who called in it would appear that the Fire Services and WASA do not enjoy the confidence of the general public. No matter what spin is put by the spin doctors following fires, the bottom line is that there was insufficient water and a lack of proper functioning equipment. These problems have remained with us from time immemorial inspite of the increased subvention to these public entities. What is required are new strategies if we are to find long lasting solutions.

From the standpoint of insurance, the country is seen as backward in the eyes of the international community and we are not taken seriously when we speak of achieving developed country status within 15 years. Both cities — Port-of-Spain and San Fernando have always been viewed as high risk from as far back as the decade of the 1960’s and nothing has changed, and if anything, the situation might well be worse as the perception and the final result bear out continuing economic waste and the two executing agencies not being able to make any meaningful impact.

Insurance companies for years have had to monitor their risk exposure in every block within our two cities, since there is the fear that a major fire could conceivably wipe out a whole block, and in a worse case scenario, cross the street into another block if conditions are favourable for spreading — eg strong winds that can fan the flames. This is not far-fetched, and in fact, the April conflagration that destroyed the People’s Mall, crossed the street and subsequently destroyed buildings on the other side.

LOADED INSURANCE PREMIUMS

Generally, insurance premiums for properties in the downtown areas carry a loading which is not applicable to properties situated elsewhere. Moreover, there are areas especially east of Henry Street that are shunned by insurance companies, and if coverage is available at all, the premiums reflect the above normal risk associated with their location.

In this day of instant information, the international insurance community is kept apprised of fire losses, especially where reports indicate that the fire fighters are affected by poor performing equipment, and worse where there was insufficient water to fight the fire. The losses this year have left an indelible mark in the minds of the insurance community especially the People’s Mall and Brydens.

The Bryden’s loss might well be the largest single loss in the history of the country where almost 20% of the entire annual property premium income of the market went up in flames. When the circumstances are analysed it would appear that there might be an arguable case against both WASA and the Fire Services since they owe a duty to deliver services and they might have failed us. There have been decided cases against public authorities so this is not far fetched — but the local insurance companies are not likely to pursue such avenues but instead try to manage their risks through a mix of strategies including premium increases.

E-mail: bkaquing@hotmail.com