The Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service will for the first time host the Annual Caribbean Association of Fire Fighters (CAFF) Executive Meeting next month.

Fire officers from six Caribbean countries will participate in the meeting to be held in the Territory from June 1 to 3.

Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Zebalon McLean said, “It will be the first time that we’re hosting such a meeting and we are actually looking forward to it. A committee is in place and we have made plans. The meeting is slated to begin on June 1 and conclude on June 3.”

Mr. McLean also stated that CAFF is designed to promote fire officers in a positive way, as well as to look for ways to help to develop officers through training and exposure. Along with making plans for future training, serious decisions in regards to the CAFF’s direction, including a Memorandum of Understanding, is to be finalised between CAFF and the Caribbean Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC).

The Fire Service is also making plans to facilitate different sporting and social events to give the visiting guests a taste of the Virgin Islands experience.

The Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service has for many years attended CAFF’s executive meetings as an associate member. The service will apply for full membership to gain voting rights at this year’s meeting.

The Caribbean Association of Fire Fighters (CAFF) was established on October 26, 2000 in Castries, St. Lucia. The Association provides an umbrella organisation for fire fighters in the Caribbean by presenting a united body geared towards improving the conditions of respective fire departments through education and other basic support services.