Tweet

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 20, 2017 (SKNIS): Sixty-five-year-old Anita Hobson is grateful that the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services covered her leaky roof, which had been badly damaged by the category five hurricanes.

Ms. Hobson lost much of the use of the right side of her body after the removal of a brain tumor decades ago. She is assisted by her live-in friend, Yvonne Pemberton, who woke her up to show her the amount of water that had made its way into the house. According to Ms. Pemberton, the bedroom was flooded, and the roof leaked in multiple areas.

The recent inclement weather made Ms. Hobson even more desperate for help, and she reached out to a friend who then got in touch with the Fire and Rescue Services.

Fire Chief, Everette O’Garro received information about the humanitarian situation involving Ms. Hobson. He acted immediately and contacted Fire Station Officer, Garfield Hodge, who oversees the Sandy Point and Tabernacle Fire Stations. The Fire Chief suggested that the SKNFRS assist, and Hodge mobilized a crew from both stations. Earlier this week, they visited Ms. Hobson and sprung into action to cover her roof with a tarpaulin.

Ms. Hobson said her roof has not leaked since and also shared that the SKNFRS did an excellent job. She added that they were “so nice and helpful.”

Both O’Garro and Hodge have commended the responsiveness of the officers.

“The guys took pride in being a part of such an initiative and have received the highest commendations from my office. We, as an agency, are responsible for helping people and saving lives,” said Mr. O’Garro.

“I would like to openly convey commendations to the men and women under my command for rendering such humanitarian efforts in assisting Ms. Hobson,” Hodge added and described it as a heartening operation.

Meanwhile, the Minister of National Security, Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, has extended his commendations.

“Our Fire and Rescue officers continue to display their helpfulness and versatility in service to our country. I commend them for their outstanding service to our country and people,” Dr. Harris said.