Schools and society participate in ninth Fireman’s Day

Saba’s section of the Fire Department Caribbean Netherlands hosted the ninth annual Fireman’s Day celebrations, November 7-9. This year, the brigade expanded its activities to ensure greater participation of the Saba community. This did not go unnoticed, as schools and the community at large participated in activities of an educational and informative nature.

The activities started Wednesday, November 7, with a ceremony at Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, during which Pastor Liburd of Wesleyan Holiness Church and Pastor Barry of the Seventh Day Adventist Church pronounced the blessing of the team of firemen. Island Governor Jonathan Johnson commended the firemen for their commitment and hard work in keeping the community safe. He added that he was particularly impressed with and grateful for the rescue effort they had undertaken during a very serious car accident last year and encouraged the men to continue in that same spirit as they received more training and much-needed equipment to carry out their daily tasks.

An open house was held at the fire station in The Bottom on Thursday, November 8. Sacred Heart School pupils were treated to an extensive explanation and demonstration of fire equipment. Supported by their colleagues from the airport, fire fighters competed against Saba Comprehensive School pupils in a friendly and energetic basketball game Thursday evening, resulting in a 46-53 victory for the pupils. Firemen visited Saba Comprehensive School on Friday morning, during which pupils were shown how to use a fire extinguisher.

Local Fire Department Commander Julio Every said he was very grateful for the positive response and support received from the community. “The Fire Brigade of the Caribbean Netherlands has as one of its main objectives to improve and build on relations within the community of each island. This ninth annual Fireman’s Day was designed with that goal in mind. Our team has worked hard and the community has responded.” The celebrations culminated in a gala dinner at Scout’s Place on Friday evening. Acting Island Governor Franklin Wilson and his wife, Local Commander of the Fire Department Caribbean Netherlands on St. Eustatius André Bennett and other invited guests joined the firemen and their spouses. Governor Johnson reiterated his admiration for the work carried out by the firemen and thanked them for their efforts on behalf of government and the people of Saba.

Source: “The Daily Herald” 2012-11-13