Remembrance Day Parade & Ceremony

The annual Remembrance Day Parade and service was held this morning at the Cenotaph in National Heroes Square, Bridgetown. Barbados joined several other Commonwealth countries around the world in observing this significant occasion.

During the ceremony the Governor-General Sir Clifford Husbands and Prime Minister David Thompson laid wreaths in remembrance of the servicemen who lost their lives during World Wars One and Two. Members of the diplomatic corps and uniformed organisations also participated in the wreath laying ceremony, during the parade of armed and unarmed units.

Remembrance Day, a day for remembering men in the armed forces who died in the two World Wars, is observed in November. The observance follows a pattern set by Britain. The date of observance is the Sunday closest to the anniversary of the last day of World War I, which was November 11, 1918. On that date, the agreement to stop fighting (Armistice) was signed by the warring nations.

Airport Firefighters To Occupy New Station Soon

Fire Officers at the Airport Fire Station will soon be moving into their new ultra modern fire station at Seawell. The relocation of personnel and equipment is scheduled to take place this month. The state of the art station will provide increase floor space of 5 317 square feet.

Among the new features will be “direct access to the runway from the appliance bay; training facilities; the provision of separate decontamination and breathing apparatus rooms; and accommodation of all appliances under cover in an enclosed space with storm shuttering”.

Airport firefighters will also benefit from having improved direct access to the appliance bay from the dormitories, a library and records room, fire clothes area, mechanics service area, and parts room. Fire Officers will be able to enjoy better dining and kitchen facilities; a gym area and washroom facilities. An official announcement is to be made shortly regarding the date and time of the Opening Ceremony.

CAFF Elects New Executive Board

The Caribbean Association of Fire Fighters held its General Meeting and Election of Officers recently during its 5th Biennial Conference held in Dominica. The new Executive Board (2009 - 2011) is as follows: President Mr. Charles Ramsaroop (Trinidad & Tobago), 1st Vice President Mr. Egbert Samuels (Dominica), 2nd Vice President Mr. Shane Felix (St. Lucia), General Secretary Ms. Morella George (Trinidad & Tobago), Treasurer Mr. Ernle Fields (Barbados) and Assistant Secretary Treasurer Mr. Vachel Murrein (Montserrat).

During the General Meeting the following persons were also elected as Representatives: Ms. Melissa Bishop (Barbados), Mr. Sidney Allen (Montserrat), Mr. Compton Sparman (Guyana), Mr. Everrette Orgarro (St. Kitts/Nevis), Mr. Malcolm Christian (Dominica), Mr. Samuel Ilin (Martinique), Mr. Damian Jn Baptiste (St. Lucia), Mr. Elvis Reever (Antigua & Barbuda), and Mr. Ancel Lemissy (Trinidad &Tobago).

Mr. Nigel George (Trinidad & Tobago) and Ms. Dehola Jacobs (Guyana) have been designated Trustees of the Association.

Source: www.caribbeanfirefighters.blogspot.com

5th Biennial CAFF Conference Starts Today In Dominica

The Caribbean Association of Fire Fighters (CAFF) will convene its 5th Biennial Conference from October 12 - 16, 2009 in Dominica. This year's conference theme is “Redefining the Caribbean Fire Service – A New Perspective.” The host organisation will be the Dominica Fire Fighters Association.

Organised by firefighters for firefighters the biennial conference has become the focal point for the Caribbean firefighter. CAFF 2009 will bring together regional fire service personnel and other industry professionals over a five day period.

Apart from the business meetings and workshop sessions, conference delegates can also look forward to several social and recreational activities during the conference including a scenic island tour, football match and a cultural evening.

29 Injured As Bus And Van Collide

A collision involving a Transport Board bus and a van in Holetown caused minor injuries to 25 students and four adults as well as congestion along Highway 1 yesterday afternoon.

The bus, driven by Lawrence Baptiste on its way to Bridgetown from Speightstown, St Peter, braked sharply and completely dislocated its rear wheels and axle at the corner of Seaview Road and Highway 1 around 4 p.m. The students on board as well as driver Baptiste, van driver Haldor Hinds and two other adults were all treated on the scene by ambulance personnel, police reports stated.

The Holetown area was impassable for hours and alternative routes to Highway 2A became choked with vehicles. (RJ)

Fire Service Cruise 2K9 - 'Fire On The Sea'

The officers and members of the Barbados Fire Service Sports and Social Club will take to the sea on Friday, October 23, 2009 on board the M.V. Harbour Master from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

The Chief Fire Officer has declared "Operation Stop Watch" all off duty personnel report for duty at the dock. Join the hott hott crew as we attempt to bring this fire under control. We on 'n' poppin, wuk up and do bad posse in full effect. Bring yuh fire hose! bring yuh water hose!

Soca music and other infectious beats will take over the vessel. Boarding commences at 9:30 p.m. sharp. Tickets are available at Fire Service Headquarters, Probyn Street, Bridgetown at $45.00 each, tickets bought at the dock are $50.00.

We lookin fuh we peeps: KFC Black Rock Posse, Haggatt Hall Massive, Ellerton Community and others.