88 more firefighters graduate

Chief Fire Officer Lennox Alfred yesterday confirmed that the faulty fire hydrants in downtown Port-of-Spain have  not replaced since the fire destroyed the People’s Mall three months ago. He made the remark at yesterday’s Passing Out Parade of  88 firefighters from the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Services (TTFS) at the Chaguaramas Heliport.  Alfred said the service was using what equipment they had, but a water supply was necessary.

He congratulated the recruits and encouraged them to do their best and be courageous in their job. A ray of hope for better times was delivered by Junior Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, who revealed that the Government had allocated $136.5 million for the construction and improved development of the fire stations and administration buildings. Of the sum, he said $48.4 million would be spent on actual Fire Services equipment. Hinds also took time out to deny allegations made about police vehicles by the Police Social and Welfare Association. He said the allegations made by the association were “irresponsible.”