Antigua and Barbuda’s Fire Department is set to benefit from a major upgrade in resources and capabilities, with the government investing $7 million to procure new equipment, including five fire tenders, a water tanker, and a ladder truck. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Gaston Browne during his 2025 Budget presentation, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing public safety and emergency response.
“This investment underscores our dedication to safeguarding lives and property in Antigua and Barbuda,” Browne said. “These resources will significantly enhance the capacity of our fire and rescue services to respond effectively to emergencies.”
The new fire tenders and specialized vehicles will be strategically deployed across key areas of the country to ensure rapid response to incidents. The ladder truck, in particular, is a critical addition, designed to tackle fires in multi-story buildings and other complex scenarios.
“Our Fire Department must be equipped with the tools necessary to meet the evolving needs of our growing nation,” Browne stated. “This upgrade will allow our firefighters to operate more efficiently and effectively.”
The acquisition of these resources comes as part of the government’s broader efforts to modernize public services and infrastructure.
The investment is expected to bolster the country’s overall disaster preparedness and public safety, reducing the risk of loss of life and property in emergencies. In addition to fires, the enhanced fleet will improve the Fire Department’s ability to respond to natural disasters, vehicular accidents, and other critical incidents.
“This is not just about equipment; it is about ensuring the safety and well-being of every resident and visitor in Antigua and Barbuda,” Browne remarked.
For years, the Fire Department has faced challenges related to aging equipment and limited resources. This investment marks a significant step toward addressing these issues and ensuring that the department is fully equipped to meet modern demands.
The water tanker will provide additional support in areas with limited water supply, enabling firefighters to maintain continuous operations during large-scale emergencies. Meanwhile, the ladder truck will enhance capabilities in high-rise rescues and firefighting, particularly in urban areas.
To complement the new equipment, the government plans to invest in training programs for fire and rescue personnel. These programs will focus on the operation of advanced machinery, firefighting techniques, and disaster management strategies.
“Our firefighters are the backbone of emergency response, and we must ensure they are well-trained and supported,” Browne said.
“This $7 million investment is about building a safer, more resilient Antigua and Barbuda,” Browne stated. “We are preparing not just for today’s challenges but for the future needs of our nation.”
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Fellow Antiguans, we must be aware of Gaston Browne “bearing” gifts, and here’s why:
It looks like he’s going to call a snap election anytime soon, hence all these promises of backpay; road surface repairs; running water; house building; better policing; Social Services payments on time, and a plethora of other ABLP promises including healthservices.
Remember we’ve been down this road with Browne before.
HE WILL CALL A SNAP ELECTION BEFORE ANY OF THESE PROMISES COME TO FRUITION.
Now hear this …
If the Prime Minister COMPLETES everything he’s promised and promoted in his recent budget and then calls a snap election, I’ll hold my hands up and admit I’m wrong.
However, many of us believe Browne is reverting to his same old tired script by throwing out promise after promise, after promise (just like in the run-up to the last General Election) to hoodwink the country again.
Gaston fooled us once, shame on he, but if he fools us twice, then shame on we …
WE MUST ENSURE THAT BROWNE DOES WHAT HE SAYS, BEFORE WASTING OUR DIMINISHING VOTING POWER AGAIN.
We want action NOW, not just talk!
Leave Barbuda name out if your
Barbuda not getting any of the government investnent if $7 million to procure new equipment, including five fire tenders, a water tanker, and a ladder truck.
While Barbuda lands gets gobbled up it left out of Government capital buget.
Travel Walker is asleep or is part of the scheme.
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