News & Insights

CAFC Blog

Conference updates, regional news, leadership insights, and stories from across the Caribbean fire service community.

From the Region

TCIFRS Delegation at CAFC 2025

TCIFRS & TCIAA Fire Teams Represent Turks and Caicos at CAFC 2025

A six-member delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Fire and Rescue Service attended leadership academies covering strategic decision-making, legal responsibilities, psychological resilience, and incident command simulations.

Magnetic Media TV
Caribbean fire chiefs networking at CAFC 2025 — Caribbean flags backdrop

Mayor Proposes Creation of Caribbean Emergency Response Hub

During the 2025 CAFC Conference, Mayor of Montego Bay Councillor Richard Vernon proposed a Caribbean Emergency Response Hub to serve as a centralized supply and personnel base for regional disaster response.

The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer
CAFC 2026 Conference Dominican Republic

CAFC 2026 Conference & Vendor Expo Announced — Dominican Republic

The Caribbean Association of Fire Chiefs has officially announced the 2026 Conference & Vendor Expo, scheduled for May 17–23, 2026 at the Hodelpa Garden Suites, Golf & Convention Center in Playa Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic.

Bajan Fire Fighters Network
Strategic Planning in Practice session

Transformative Power of Leadership in Disaster Management

It all begins with essential core competencies that robustly support the leadership principles associated with fire and emergency medical services throughout the Caribbean region — enhancing individual performance and overall team effectiveness.

Caribbean Association of Fire Chiefs
Caribbean Fire Chiefs in Barbados 2019

Caribbean Fire Chiefs Convene in Barbados — CFO Maynard Assumes Leadership

The CAFC Conference & Expo was held at the Accra Beach Resort and Spa in Barbados. CFO Errol Maynard of the Barbados Fire Service assumed leadership of the organization, with Barbados also topping the Firefighters Challenge competition.

Barbados Today
CAFC Membership Impact

The Far-Reaching Impact of CAFC Membership

CAFC values fresh ideas for creating new projects. By becoming a member, you gain benefits that encourage teamwork and creativity in fire and emergency services throughout the Caribbean — transforming ideas into real community solutions.

Caribbean Association of Fire Chiefs
Women in Emergency Services — AC Julian Davis-Buckle at CAFC 2025

Breaking Barriers: Women in Emergency Services at CAFC 2025

Assistant Commissioner Julian Davis-Buckle — Jamaica's highest-ranked female firefighter — delivered a powerful session on Women in Emergency Services at CAFC 2025. A 29-year career, a National Badge of Honour, and an International Women's Award for Courage. She also received the IFECASA IWD Purple Heart Award in Dominica, March 2025.

Jamaica Gleaner
IFECASA Women in uniform at Women in Service Retreat

IFECASA Launches Caribbean & South America Branch — Building Regional Fire Engineering Capacity

The Institution of Fire Engineers officially launched its Caribbean and South America branch (IFECASA) in Port of Spain, Trinidad, focused on "A regional approach to capacity and capability building." The branch provides fire engineers across the region with access to education, qualifications, and professional recognition.

International Fire & Safety Journal
IFECASA Women in Service — group photo

Regional Leaders Gather in Dominica for First IFECASA Women in Service Retreat

IFECASA hosted its inaugural Women in Service Retreat in Dominica on March 7–8, 2025, marking International Women's Day under the theme #AccelerateAction. Participants from 7 Caribbean nations attended. Chief Anette Sanford — the first female Kalinago Chief — received the IFECASA IWD Purple Heart Award.

Dominica News Online

Caribbean EMS Leadership Academy

Safety Protocols and Risk Management — EMS session CAFC 2025
Session
Safety Protocols & Risk Management
Snr. Superintendent Gary Morgan, JFB
EMS Leadership Class 2025 — Group Photo
Class of 2025
EMS Leadership Academy — Participants
EMS Facilitators — Dr. Winston Warren, Chief Lee Sagert, Dr. Hezedean Smith
Facilitators
Dr. Warren · Chief Sagert · Dr. Smith

Firefighter Combat Challenge

Caribbean firefighters went head-to-head in the annual Firefighter Combat Challenge — testing speed, strength, and skill in full bunker gear under the Jamaica sun.

Firefighter in full gear carrying hose rolls — CAFC 2025 Combat Challenge
In Action
Hose Carry Event — CAFC 2025 · Jamaica Fire Brigade
EMS participants inside ambulance — CAFC 2025
EMS Challenge
Firefighter Challenge Participants · CAFC 2025

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