NAFO head resigns

The President of the National Association of Fire Officers Earl Hylton has resigned from this position. Mr. Hylton told Firebreak that it was becoming increasingly difficult to juggle the administration of his Division and the responsibilities of NAFO Presidency and he did not feel he was able to fulfil his obligations to the best of his abilities.

When pressed for details he did admit that there was a certain degree of frustration at the slow pace at which decisions agreed within the organization were acted on.

Mr. Hylton however, retains his membership and pledges support for all activities of the organization in whatever position he is placed.

The 1st Vice President, Assistant Superintendent John Forrester, will carry out the duties of President pending the next formal election of Officers.

Two new justices

Members of the Brigade are happy about the recent appointment of Assistant Superintendent D. Charlton and District Officer H. Knight as Justices of the Peace for the parishes of Kingston and St. Thomas respectively. It is good to see members of the Brigade receiving recognition from the public and recommendations for civic office. We extend hearty congratulations.

Thanksgiving service

Hundreds of persons turned out on Saturday 31st March to participate in the thanksgiving service for the life of the late Corporal Edmond Allen of the KSA Division. Glowing tributes spoke of the Corporal's life as an evangelist, father, and an efficient co-worker. Those present were particularly moved by a brief sermon from his young son Kavan. Firebreak extends condolences to his family and all his many friends. He will be missed.

Plans for Fun Day

The National Fun Day Planning Committee met recently (Thursday 5 April) at Sandals Resort Ocho Rios. Top item on the agenda was the plan for the National Fun Day - 2001.

The Fun Day is slated for Saturday 28 July 2001 at the St. Elizabeth Technical High School. This is the third staging of the competitions at STETHS. Sources told Firebreak that the venue was popular because it offered good facilities, was relatively cheaper than most other venues, and was sure of support by members of the public from the surrounding community.

The schedule of events has been drafted and knockout competitions are already in progress. Area IV is the current champion Area.

Fund-raising venture

The National Planning Committee is noted for its erstwhile fundraising ventures annually and this year's event was a blast. Firebreak spoke to committee treasurer Lothian Palmer and learned that the reggae socca on the beach bash at Paradise Cove on Sunday 29 April 2001 was a huge success.

It was a FAME endorsed event featuring popular radio personalities including Jenny-Jenny (Radio 2), and Marlon Young (FAME FM). There were many prizes and surprises. Music was provided by the very popular Peter Phillips Disco and the event kicked off from 10am.

Proceeds from this venture will be used to assist in defraying costs of the upcoming Fun Day and to provide assistance to the Divisional Sports Clubs. Assistant coordinator H. Ricketts said that other events are planned for later in the year as we get closer to the annual ball.

Brigade behind in IT

Information technology is the buzzword in every forum today and various agencies of government and entities in the private sector are moving speedily to acquire this state of the art.

Members of the Brigade are concerned however with the slow pace of the JFB's attempts at computerization. While it is laudable that the payroll system has been customized and computerized and the Brigade's web-site has received a large number of hits to date, the feeling is that crucial aspects of the Brigades operations are yet to receive attention.

In addition to the computers at Brig HQ a number of Divisions have acquired desktop computers through their own efforts but, as yet, there is no clearly defined IT strategy for the Brigade.

The computers at Brig HQ and in the few Divisions that have them, are primarily used for word-processing, spreadsheet solutions and connection to the Internet. Real computerization would take the capabilities of the Brigade to the next level of technology - allowing for the development of an Intranet, providing ready access to street indices and hazardous material data islandwide and improved voice communications.

At the administrative level there is software available to help managers forecast human resource needs, analyse environmental risks and create real time training simulations of different scenarios. The possibilities are endless. As usual, management will argue about financial constraints, but a real effort at improving IT capabilities would be supported by government as part of their current thrust in schools and government departments. Besides, any organization that is pro-active must recognize that development and management of information systems is crucial to future growth and efficiency.

The call therefore is for the Brigade to get its act together and

Behind in IT....contd.

develop an action plan for computerization. If a plan already exists it must be communicated to all of us as players so we can better understand our roles and responsibilities. While we wait we encourage members, as part of their personal development, to acquire computer skills and certification from reputable institutions. These skills will be increasingly required for work, leisure and study.

In time all of us will have to answer the popular Microsoft Cooperation question, "Where do you want to go today?"

Visit the Brigade's Web Site

For information on JFB resources and many available hot links to fire service information worldwide, visit our site at:

http://www.jamaica-firebrigade.com