Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre outlined a series of measures the government will implement with the proceeds from the loan to improve the capacity of the SLFS.

The Prime Minister also announced that ambulance services will soon be free of charge for the people of Saint Lucia. “Very shortly, we will be waiving all the ambulance fees for the people of Saint Lucia. Ambulances are going to be free.” At present, an ambulance costs EC $200. The waiver of this fee, Pierre says, is one of the benefits of the Health and Citizen Security Levy.

Pierre asserts that the Fire Services were sidelined by the former administration. He gave the public his assurance that his administration would aid the firefighters in their efforts.

“The fire services have been neglected for ages. The last government refused to put anything in place to get new fire engines for the airports. Security at the airport in terms of a fire emergency is of paramount importance,” the Prime Minister told the press on the bylines of Parliament on Tuesday. He says a fire engine not being posted at the island’s airports is a disaster in waiting.

Pierre says the government is going to acquire much-needed equipment for emergency personnel from the SLFS. “We are going to Parliament today to look for fire engines, to look for four ambulances, to help the emergency services. We want to improve the morale of the members of the fire services. We are focused.”

The proceeds from the loan will also be used to train firefighters, the Prime Minister said. The government has also allocated funds for the training of the fire service's sister agencies, the RSLF and Correctional Officers.