In an effort to enhance services and ensure overall effectiveness, an organisational review of the Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) is currently underway.

Through this initiative, the Ministry of Home Affairs seeks to build on the strengths of the CIFS by delivering a strategic plan and policy direction that clearly indicates what resources and other supports are required to ensure that all essential functions are carried out per established best practice. The ultimate goal is to establish a world-class fire service.

The Ministry has engaged consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) for the review, to help develop an appropriate standard of operations for fire services, and to reshape the overall organisational structure.

The transformational change is aimed at promoting a more efficient response to emergency incidents as well as a continued focus on community safety and the welfare of the people of the Cayman Islands.

“Our fire officers often work under dangerous conditions and risk their own lives to ensure the safety of others. This review gives those brave men and women a voice,” Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. Tara Rivers, explains. “We want to know what can be done to help all staff members perform at their best, and how we can provide the agency with the support needed going forward in order to achieve this.”

To date, several stakeholder engagement meetings have been held, staff of the Fire Service have had an opportunity to offer their feedback via a confidential survey and in the coming weeks they will also be interviewed in 1:1 and group settings.

“I am supportive of the review that is being carried out,” Acting Head of the Civil Service and Deputy Governor, Ms. Gloria McField-Nixon, concluded. “As a first responder, it is crucial that the fire service is structured to meet its mandate and I commend the Ministry for taking this necessary step and undertaking the review.”

The Ministry hopes to have the review team’s final report in hand by October 2017.

PHOTOS BY: JAMIE HICKS, GIS

Photo Captions:

CIFS Review Photo: Chief Fire Officer David Hails & Station Officer Kirk Watson show Minister Tara Rivers and Acting Deputy Chief Officer Teresa Echenique the Central Fire Station

CIFS Review Photo 2: Chief Hails & Minister Rivers tour the West Bay Fire Station

CIFS Review Photo 3 & 4: CIFS Officers conduct exercises on the training grounds