PHILIPSBURG–Firefighters gathered in front of the Government Administration Building on Monday afternoon demanding an audience with Prime Minister Leona Romeo-Marlin after receiving word that major changes had been made within the Fire Department’s management.
The reason for the change is not yet clear. However, the Department has been facing challenges since the passing of Hurricane Irma last year. The lack of equipment is just one of the workers’ many concerns and change of management at this time is unsettling for firemen.
Government’s security officers stopped the firefighters from entering the building and Marlin’s policy advisor Rodney Richardson came down to speak to them. The firemen were then escorted to the conference room in the building and had a brief meeting with Marlin behind closed doors. The prime minister is also in charge of General Affairs which is responsible for the Fire Department.
The firemen returned to work after the brief action. The Daily Herald contacted both parties on Monday evening for comment, but Marlin declined to give details about the change in management or what consequences this will have for the Fire Department.
The Windward Islands Civil Servants/Private Sector Union (WICSU/PSU) was not aware of the action and will follow up with its members today, Tuesday.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/78433-firefighters-put-down-tools-after-management-change
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