Charlestown Secondary School and Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School Receive Fire Extinguishers Under CDEMA’s Model Safe School Programme

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (February 26, 2025)– Charlestown Secondary School and Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School have received a donation of fire extinguishers as part of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency’s (CDEMA) Model Safe School Programme (MSSP), aimed at strengthening school safety, and emergency and disaster preparedness.

The CDEMA Model Safe School Programme

The CDEMA Model Safe School Programme supports schools in implementing comprehensive risk management strategies and preparing for emergencies. Environmental Solutions Limited was contracted by CDEMA to develop or enhance national safe school policies in four Caribbean Development Bank Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs), conduct hazard assessments for 33 schools across six BMCs, and prepare costed action plans based on assessment findings.

Handing-Over Ceremony

The Ministry of Education in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) hosted a brief handing-over ceremony to distribute the equipment.

Importance of Fire Safety

“Of the 33 schools, Charlestown Secondary School and Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School were the two schools on Nevis included in this initiative,” stated Education Officer Tamicia Lestrade. “Today, we officially hand over 36 fire extinguishers to be shared between these institutions. This provision is more than just a delivery of equipment; it represents proactive disaster preparedness and our collective dedication to minimizing risk within our schools.”

Conclusion

Mrs. Lestrade emphasized the importance of fire safety in school disaster risk management.

“With these resources in place, our institutions will be better equipped to respond effectively in times of emergency. This initiative would not have been possible without the invaluable support of CDEMA, the European Union (EU), the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), and the World Bank, whose contributions to school safety in the Caribbean continue to make a lasting impact.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the CDEMA Model Safe School Programme?

A: The CDEMA Model Safe School Programme is a programme that supports schools in implementing comprehensive risk management strategies and preparing for emergencies.

Q: What is the purpose of the programme?

A: The purpose of the programme is to strengthen school safety, emergency, and disaster preparedness.

Q: Who is involved in the programme?

A: CDEMA, the European Union (EU), the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), and the World Bank are involved in the programme.