The St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services have reached a significant milestone as Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) Timothy Martin takes on the role of Assistant Treasurer for the Caribbean Association of Firefighters (CAFF). This appointment, which runs for the next three years, positions Martin to play a key role in strengthening the Federation’s contributions to fire safety and emergency response efforts across the Caribbean.
A founding member of CAFF, St. Kitts and Nevis has been part of the regional firefighting organisation since its inception in 2000. With Martin’s appointment to the executive, he plans to revitalise the country’s active membership and enhance the operational capabilities of the local fire services.
“It is an honour to serve on the executive of CAFF,” Martin stated. “This comes at a crucial time when St. Kitts and Nevis hosted the CAFF meeting earlier this year, allowing us to reignite our connection with the organisation after a period of dormancy.
“My participation in CAFF’s committees not only reaffirms our commitment but also reflects our desire to engage with regional colleagues to share knowledge and innovative strategies. I also hope to inspire younger fire officers to get involved and pursue leadership roles within this important regional body.”
Martin’s appointment comes at a time when the global firefighting community is facing new challenges. In 2022, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised firefighting as a carcinogenic occupation, linking it to an increased risk of cancer. This declaration sparked intense discussions during the recent CAFF conference, especially concerning the health and safety of fire officers.
“The WHO’s declaration has brought the health and safety of our fire officers to the forefront of our discussions,” Martin explained. “We are committed to addressing these issues by ensuring our officers receive regular health screenings and the necessary support. The importance of this was highlighted in the conference, where we also discussed potential changes to the retirement age for fire officers across the region, with some countries considering an increase to 67 years.”
A key focus of the conference was also on training and professional development. Martin emphasised the need for continuous skills upgrades for firefighters, noting that knowledge exchange across the Caribbean is essential for improving firefighting practices. He shared his insights during an interview with the National Communications Network in Guyana, where he highlighted the significance of adopting best practices both regionally and internationally.
“At the conference, we not only discussed regional practices but also explored international best practices. It’s essential that we adapt these practices to suit the needs of our territories,” said Martin. “By continuously updating our training and collaborating with our counterparts in the Caribbean, we are ensuring that our fire officers are equipped with the best possible skills to serve our communities.”
The 11th CAFF Conference, which began on 2nd December, 2024, at the Solid Waste Management Conference Room, is a major event for firefighters and emergency personnel from across the Caribbean. The conference serves as a platform for training, knowledge exchange, and fostering fellowship among emergency response teams.
Martin’s new role in CAFF is not only an individual achievement but a significant development for St. Kitts and Nevis, ensuring the country remains at the forefront of regional fire safety initiatives and continues to contribute to the overall improvement of fire and rescue services across the Caribbean.
Photo: Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Timothy Martin
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