Manning demands more resources for firefighters

PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning has directed National Security Minister Martin Joseph to ensure that the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service has all the necessary resources to do its job. Addressing Thursday’s post-Cabinet news conference at Whitehall, Joseph disclosed that he expects to receive a list of all of the resources of the Fire Services on Monday. While informing reporters that he had received a report on a million-dollar blaze which ravaged several Point Fortin businesses over the weekend, Joseph said: “The Prime Minister contacted me almost immediately to have me identify what are some of the minimum resources required as it relates to the question of the needs of the Fire Service.”

Joseph also gave the assurance that the other arms of the protective services were not being neglected and preferential treatment was being given to the police and the military because “crime and security are the major focus” at this time. The Minister noted that Cabinet recently approved the construction of two modern fire stations, one of which will be located in Couva to handle any incident at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate. “By Monday, I will get from the Chief Fire Officer, not a wish list, but something that clearly identifies what are some of the things that we need almost immediately,” he said.

Joseph also spoke about his Ministry’s efforts to reduce overcrowding within the prison system. He said while the new maximum security prison at Golden Grove is designed to house 2,400 prisoners, it currently houses 800 prisoners and this was a drawback from the previous government. The entire question of prison reform and prisoner rehabilitation is one of  the major tasks facing newly appointed Junior National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds.