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The new Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Sabrina Turner recently met with the Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) to discuss key priorities for 2022 and beyond.

This orientation process began last month when Designate Chief Fire Officer Randy Rankin delivered a ministerial briefing, highlighting recent successes, key priorities, succession planning and recruitment for the next class of Firefighters.

Speaking to the achievement and priorities for CIFS over the last few months, Designate Chief Fire Officer Randy Rankin said, “I am proud of our achievements to date as a service. This is just the beginning; we have started recruitment for our next class, acquired new trucks, and implemented industry training among many developments. Given the Cayman Islands’ constantly evolving landscape, it’s imperative we ensure that our officers and district stations are equipped to safeguard our community in any emergency we are called to support, whether building, aviation or other.”

“As a service, we will develop and expand our professional fire and rescue skills, and I will maintain a workplace culture where colleagues feel valued and appreciated. Having been a CIFS officer for over 29 years I am honoured to lead the Cayman Islands Fire Service into this next chapter, and welcome the support of my CIFS colleagues, our Ministry and key partners.”

During the meeting, CIFS and the Ministry team discussed plans and outcomes for the next phase of the service’s development including: employee development and training, procuring and allocating resources and equipment, as well as station improvements across all three Islands.

Acting Chief Officer for the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Julian Lewis said, “Having worked with the CIFS team over the last few months, I have been pleased with what I have seen and heard as well as impressed by all that has been achieved by the CIFS Senior Management Team in recent years. Their drive, enthusiasm and leadership of CIFS are commendable. The transition and handover to Designate Chief Fire Officer Randy Rankin taking up the substantive CFO role in August this year is going very well with a genuine hands-on approach that is fully supported by the Ministry.”

Hon. Minister Turner, added: “CIFS is one of the cornerstones of MHA, supporting our community through domestic emergencies while working in partnership with other services to support airside and seaside emergencies. I look forward to working with them to provide world-class national service to the Cayman Islands for generations to come. I have every confidence that Designate Chief Fire Officer Randy Rankin’s leadership will continue to deliver public safety priorities and to support the continuous improvement of our much-loved fire and rescue service.”

Over the next few weeks, the Ministry of Home Affairs will continue these discussions as part of a series of meetings being held to orient Minister Turner to her new remit as Minister of Home Affairs.