Elizabeth Gonzales
Tobago Correspondent
Head of the Fire Service Association, Keone Guy, has raised concerns that the new billion-dollar ANR Robinson International Airport terminal at Crown Point will lack proper fire coverage, as the nearby fire station remains in poor condition, with only one of three tenders functioning and manpower in shambles.
He told Guardian Media yesterday that as officials prepare to commission the terminal tomorrow, he wants to seize the opportunity to call for a new, fully equipped fire station to handle emergencies at an airport of that magnitude.
Guy said the Crown Point Fire Station has been in a dilapidated state for years, with poor electrical wiring preventing upgrades such as air conditioning. He also revealed that officers lack basic amenities, including functional toilets. Additionally, the station does not have a single breathing apparatus set, severely hampering their ability to respond to fires, including potential incidents at the new airport.
Guy said the station’s condition and lack of resources were in breach of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. He said any emergencies at the new airport requiring fire service support could not be effectively handled.
“To construct a multimillion-dollar airport without spending a single dollar to ensure the fire service is provided with upgraded infrastructure and vehicles is just another example of the Government’s neglect of the fire service and public safety in general,” Guy said.
He claimed, “The officers there (in Tobago) don’t have a single breathing apparatus set for any station islandwide, and the airport is no different. So should there be an incident at the airport, whether in the existing building or anywhere else on the strip, the fire service’s ability to respond is severely hampered..”
According to ICAO standards, airport fire stations must be strategically located to ensure a maximum three-minute response time and be equipped with firefighting vehicles, robust communication systems, and adequate storage for extinguishing agents. In T&T, these standards are enforced by the T&T Civil Aviation Authority and the Airports Authority to ensure compliance with global safety regulations.
Calls to Chief Fire Officer Andy Hutchinson went unanswered.
However, a senior fire officer told Guardian Media the claims were false, insisting the fire station was fully capable of responding to and handling all categories of emergencies at the airport in accordance with international aviation laws.
The official said there was sufficient manpower and equipment. While admitting some vehicles needed repairs, he denied that only one fire tender was functional.
The source admitted the station was in a dilapidated state and needed repairs, which were initially estimated at $8.6 million years ago but have now risen to $28 million following updated assessments.
The official said the only issue now was the absence of a dedicated substation for officers and a fire tender on standby for emergencies on the ramp, such as fuel spills or minor incidents like loose paint. In such cases, officers would have to respond from the main station.