GREEN ISLAND, Hanover — While legislation in some Caribbean countries has not kept pace with modern-day firefighting, Jamaica is being recognised for the work it has done to update the laws as needed.

“Many of the legislative frameworks in the region require updates to reflect the changing nature of emergency services and to ensure comprehensive support for fire officers in the line of duty,” said deputy commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade and vice-president of the Caribbean Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) Kevin Haughton.

He was speaking with the Jamaica Observer on the sidelines of the recent CAFC 2025 Conference held at Princess Hotels and Resorts in Hanover.

Haughton emphasised the need for clear legal guidance to support fire officers during specialised operations such as technical rescues or gaining access to secured locations during emergency situations.

However, he noted that Jamaica has taken meaningful steps to address the broader issue.

“Through initiatives led by our parent ministry, measures have been implemented to address legislative gaps, offering greater legal clarity for firefighters responding to emergencies beyond traditional protocols,” Haughton said.

“Jamaica has implemented measures to strengthen legal protections for our personnel. These efforts by our parent ministry are critical to ensuring that fire officers can perform their duties with the necessary legal support,” he added.

CAFC President Kenrick Hackett weighed in on the issue.

“Based on the discussions at the conference, including the presentations from Jamaica’s fire leadership, it’s clear that important progress is being made,” Hackett said.

Meanwhile, Haughton also raised the point of how important it is for regional fire services to remain aligned with global advancements in technology and sustainability. Those comments were related to a discussion, during the conference, on the growing importance of improved personal protective equipment and environmentally responsible firefighting methods.

“We are seeing a shift toward more eco-friendly firefighting materials, including the use of environmentally safe foam agents for certain types of fires,” Haughton said.

“Jamaica has begun the process of acquiring such materials, and we encourage our regional counterparts to explore similar initiatives,” he added.

The CAFC 2025 Conference, held from May 11–17 under the theme ‘Fostering Regional Collaboration for Emergency Response’, brought together fire chiefs, emergency response leaders, and public safety professionals from 17 Caribbean nations.

The event featured strategic discussions, training workshops, and knowledge sharing aimed at enhancing regional readiness and cooperation in emergency situations.