The Barbados Fire Academy, the fire service’s training arm, will undergo an international accreditation assessment in just over two weeks, a move Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard said could help ensure Barbadian firefighters’ qualifications are recognised overseas.
The comprehensive evaluation would be a significant milestone for the Fire Service and firefighting training in the region, Maynard told the fire service’s 42nd passing out parade, held at the academy at Arch Hall, St Thomas.
New Fire Officers. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
Accreditation would provide independent verification that the academy’s programmes meet internationally accepted standards and best practices, the fire chief explained.
He said: “More importantly, it will ensure that the qualifications earned by all firefighters are recognised beyond our borders, enhancing professional mobility, strengthening regional cooperation, and reaffirming our commitment to developing firefighters who can operate confidently and competently alongside counterparts from anywhere in the world.”
The need for highly trained emergency responders was becoming increasingly important as the risks facing communities continue to evolve, he added.
“Population growth, technological advances, climate-related events, modern transportation systems, and emerging hazards all create new challenges for emergency responders.
“To meet these challenges, we must continually invest in our most valuable asset.”
Chief Maynard said Barbados remained committed to ensuring training delivered through the academy met the highest professional standards, with the pursuit of international accreditation forming part of that commitment.
Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Gregory Nicholls (centre) being flanked by Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard (left) and Deputy Chief Fire Officer Henderson Patrick, as they take part in the Barbados Fire Service’s 42nd Passing Out Parade and Ceremony. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
But he acknowledged that challenges remained, including limited training props, training availability, and space for live-fire exercises.
The service was also seeking to develop props for aircraft firefighting, while pursuing a dedicated training facility in the northern part of the island, he added.
“This initiative will expand our training capacity, provide opportunities for more realistic and advanced emergency response exercises, and further strengthen our ability to prepare firefighters for the complex hazards they may encounter throughout their career.”
The latest graduating class, Batch 42, Course 1 of 2026, consisted of 20 recruits who successfully completed Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 programmes, as well as an Emergency Medical Technician programme conducted by the Barbados Community College.
The recruits trained in areas including fire suppression, rescue operations, fire behaviour, incident safety, firefighting tactics, equipment operation, and emergency response procedures.
Members of the Barbados Fire Service’s newest batch put their training to the test during an emergency drill. The 20 recruits recently completed training in firefighting, rescue and emergency medical response. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
Chief Maynard noted that modern firefighting extends beyond extinguishing fires, with medical emergencies accounting for a substantial portion of calls received by emergency services.
“I am pleased to report to you that all 20 graduates successfully met the minimum requirement for both the Firefighter 1, the Firefighter 2, and the EMT course.”
Addressing the graduates, Maynard urged them to carry the lessons of their training into their firefighting and emergency response careers.
“Be proud of your achievement. You have earned your place on this parade square today. You have met demanding standards, overcome challenges, demonstrated resilience, and proven your commitment to the value of this service.
“As you move forward into your operational career, let discipline guide you.”
(SB)
