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Annual Conference Program

Conference Agenda

📍 2026: Hodelpa Garden Suites, Golf & Convention Center · Playa Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic  |  May 17–23, 2026

7
Conference Days
3
Leadership Tracks
40+
Sessions
20+
Speakers
~200
Attendees
Sunday, May 11 — Arrival & Registration
Conference opens · Hotel check-in · Executive Meeting
TimeSession
All Day
Hotel Check-In
13:00 – Until
Conference Registration
14:00 – 16:00
Executive Meeting
15:00 – Until
Vendor Registration & Set-Up
18:00
Dinner
Monday, May 12 — Opening Day
Opening Ceremony · Business Meeting · Welcome Reception
TimeSession
07:00 – 08:00
Breakfast (Daily)
09:00 – Until
Opening Ceremony & Group Photo
Formal attire & dress uniforms required
12:00 – 13:00
Lunch (Daily)
13:00 – 14:00
CAFC Business Meeting
14:00 – 16:00
Fallen Firefighters' Memorial
18:00 – 20:00
Welcome Reception / Meet & Greet
Bring business cards, QR codes, coins & pins

🏪 Vendor Exhibit Schedule — May 13–16 (Daily)

TimeSession
09:30 – 10:00
Vendor Presentation Spotlight
Daily feature — Mon through Thu
10:00 – 16:00
Vendor Exhibits Open
Main Hall
12:00 – 13:00
Lunch
All Attendees
18:00 – 20:00
Evening Networking / Events
Varies by day
Tuesday–Thursday, May 13–15 — Leadership Academies
Three parallel tracks running simultaneously · Select your track below
#CSDELA
Caribbean Senior Disaster & Emergency Leadership Academy
Senior-level leaders: Chief Fire Officers, EMS Chief Officers, Fire Commissioners, Deputy Chiefs, Senior Emergency Management & Military Officers
TimeSession
08:00 – 08:15
Welcome & Opening Remarks
CFO Kenrick Hackett, CFO Errol Maynard
08:15 – 09:30
Command Presence
CFO Errol Maynard
10:15 – 12:00
Legal Considerations for Senior Fire Officers
Commissioner Stewart Beckford
13:00 – 14:30
Incident Command at Large-Scale & Multi-Agency Events
Deputy Commissioner Kevin Haughton, Dr. Hezedean Smith
15:00 – 16:00
Crisis Leadership & Communication
Deputy CFO Pauletta Silvanco
16:00 – 17:00
Panel Discussion: Command Presence
Maynard, Hackett, Beckford, Haughton
TimeSession
08:00 – 08:15
Day 2 Overview & Recap
CFO Errol Maynard
08:15 – 09:00
Vision Alignment for Senior Leaders in the Caribbean
Dr. Hezedean Smith
10:15 – 11:00
Strategic Execution & Organizational Accountability
Deputy Commissioner Kevin Haughton
11:00 – 12:00
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder & Mental Health Wellness
Dr. David Byer, Dr. Hezedean Smith
13:00 – 13:45
National Preparedness, Response & Recovery in Jamaica
Mr. Richard Thompson
13:45 – 14:30
Fireground Leadership: Tactical Oversight for Senior Officers
Deputy Commissioner Haughton, CFO Maynard
15:00 – 17:00
High-Rise Fire Operations for Senior Officers
Dr. Hezedean Smith
17:00
Wrap Up
CFO Maynard
TimeSession
08:00 – 08:15
Day 3 Overview & Recap
CFO Errol Maynard
08:15 – 09:30
High-Level Communication & Political Acumen
Dr. Hezedean Smith
10:15 – 11:00
Women in Emergency Services
Assistant Commissioner Julian Davis-Buckle
11:00 – 12:00
Risk Mitigation
Deputy Commissioner Sean Martin, Deputy CFO Pauletta Silvanco
13:00 – 14:30
Fire Service Innovation & Future Trends
Mike Cox – ESRI
15:00 – 16:00
GIS for Fire/EMS & Overview of SARCOM
Jared Doke – NAPSG
16:00
Wrap Up
CFO Errol Maynard
#CJDELA
Caribbean Junior Disaster & Emergency Leadership Academy
Junior-level leaders: Cadet & Divisional Officers, Leading Firefighters, Section Leaders, Sergeants, Station & Sub-Station Officers, Junior Military Officers
TimeSession
08:00 – 08:15
Welcome & Course Overview
Dr. Hezedean Smith
08:15 – 09:45
Leadership Foundations: Transitioning from Junior to Senior Officer
CFO Kenrick Hackett
10:00 – 11:00
Incident Command Basics; First-in Officer Responsibilities
District Officer Marlon Smalls
11:00 – 12:00
Leadership & Communication
Deputy CFO Pauletta Silvanco
13:00 – 14:00
Legal Responsibilities of Junior Officers
Commissioner Stewart Beckford
14:30 – 15:15
National Preparedness, Response & Recovery in Jamaica
Mr. Richard Thompson
15:15 – 16:00
Firehouse Culture & Team Leadership
Dr. Hezedean Smith
TimeSession
08:00 – 08:15
Welcome & Day 1 Recap
Dr. Hezedean Smith
08:15 – 09:45
Fireground Decision-Making for Company Officers
District Officer Marlon Smalls
10:00 – 11:00
Vision Alignment: Your Role in Departmental Strategy
CFO Kenrick Hackett
11:00 – 12:00
Managing Aircraft Emergencies
Station Officer Junie Fleming
13:00 – 15:00
High-Rise Firefighting Tactics for Company Officers
Dr. Hezedean Smith, JFB Commander
15:30 – 16:00
Conflict Resolution & Crew Management
TBA
TimeSession
08:00 – 08:15
Welcome & Day 2 Recap
Dr. Hezedean Smith
08:15 – 09:45
Fireground Leadership: Junior Officer's Role in Operational Success
Dr. Hezedean Smith
10:00 – 11:00
Social Styles and Their Influence
Dr. Hezedean Smith
11:00 – 12:00
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder & Mental Health Wellness
Dr. David Byer, Dr. Hezedean Smith
13:00 – 14:00
Women in Emergency Services
Assistant Commissioner Julian Davis-Buckle
14:30 – 15:30
Incident Command Scenarios — Tabletop
Deputy Commissioner Haughton, Dr. Hezedean Smith
15:30 – 17:00
Alternative Powered Vehicles
Dr. Hezedean Smith
#CEMSLA
Caribbean EMS Leadership Academy
EMS personnel at all levels: EMTs, Advanced EMTs, Drivers, Ambulance Attendants, First Responders, Paramedics, Military Medics
TimeSession
08:00 – 08:15
Welcome & Course Overview
Dr. Winston Warren, Dr. David Byer
08:15 – 09:00
Co-relation of EMS Components & Attributes
Dr. David Byer
09:00 – 09:45
National Preparedness, Response & Recovery in Jamaica
Mr. Richard Thompson
10:00 – 10:45
Research 101
Dr. Hezedean Smith, Dr. Gifford Blagrove
10:45 – 12:00
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder & Mental Health Wellness
Dr. David Byer, Dr. Hezedean Smith
13:00 – 14:00
Back to the Basics: EMS Topics
Dr. Winston Warren, Snr. Supt. Gary Morgan
14:30 – 16:30
Airway Management, Trauma & Medical Assessment Scenarios
Dr. David Byer, Dr. Winston Warren, Dr. Gifford Blagrove, Snr. Supt. Gary Morgan, Lee Sagert
16:30
Wrap Up
Dr. Winston Warren, Dr. David Byer
TimeSession
08:00 – 08:15
Day 2 Overview & Recap
Dr. Winston Warren
08:15 – 09:45
Overview of EMS Systems and Services
Dr. David Byer
10:00 – 11:00
EMS Operations in Mass Shootings / MCIs
Dr. Hezedean Smith
11:00 – 12:00
Optimizing EMS Scope of Practice for System Efficiency
Dr. Janice Miller
13:00 – 14:00
Fire-Based EMS: Operational Models
Dr. Hezedean Smith
14:30 – 15:30
Panel: Training & Development in EMS
Snr. Supt. Gary Morgan, Dr. David Byer, Dr. Gifford Blagrove, Lee Sagert
15:30 – 16:00
Best Practices in EMS
Dr. David Byer, Dr. Hezedean Smith
TimeSession
08:00 – 08:15
Day 3 Overview & Recap
Dr. Winston Warren
08:15 – 09:45
Quality Improvement in EMS
Dr. Winston Warren
10:00 – 10:45
Crisis Leadership in EMS
Deputy CFO Pauletta Silvanco
11:00 – 12:00
Maximizing EMS Effectiveness in Resource-Limited Environments
Lee Sagert, NRP
13:00 – 14:00
Legal Considerations for EMS Leadership
Commissioner Stewart Beckford
14:00 – 15:00
Women in Emergency Services
Assistant Commissioner Julian Davis-Buckle
15:15 – 16:00
Building an EMS System Pipeline
Deputy Commissioner Kevin Haughton, Supt. Gary Morgan
16:00
Q&A, Closing & Course Evaluations
Dr. David Byer, Dr. Winston Warren, Dr. Hezedean Smith
Friday, May 16 — EMS & Firefighter Challenges
Competition day · Scenario-based skills · Closing Business Meeting
TimeSession
07:30 – 08:45
EMS Challenge Team Check-In
Bring all EMS equipment · Outdoor Training Area
09:00 – 11:00
EMS Clinical Skills Challenge
Scenario-Based Stations
10:00 – 10:45
Firefighter Challenge Team Check-In
Outdoor Training Area
11:00 – 13:00
Firefighter Challenge & Combat Challenge
Outdoor Arena
13:00 – 15:00
Lunch
Served at Pavilion
15:30
Closing Business Meeting
General Assembly

🩺 EMS Clinical Skills Challenge

Check-in: 7:30 AM sharp — deadline 8:45 AM

Teams: 2 providers per team + optional alternate

Format: Simulated EMS scenarios requiring accurate physical & verbal performance. Judged on care quality, accuracy, and scope.

Core Skills Assessed:

  • 1Airway: OPA, NPA, BVM
  • 2Medication administration
  • 3Spinal motion restriction
  • 4Extremity immobilization

Contact: Dr. Winston R. Warren — wwarren@gescg.org

🔥 Firefighter Combat Challenge

Required gear: Full bunker gear (not wildland/ARFF), NFPA-compliant boots, SCBA with all straps, firefighter helmet with straps

  • 1SCBA — Don full bunker gear from pre-dress level
  • 2High-Rise Pack / Stairs — Climb to top with hose
  • 3Hoisting — Raise hose from ground to tower top
  • 4Forcible Entry — Simulate with sledge, move 4 ft max
  • 5Advancing Nozzle — 1¾" charged line, 50 ft advance
  • 6Firefighter Rescue — Drag 175 lb dummy to finish

Note: Each marked infraction carries a 5-second time penalty.

Saturday, May 17 — Closing Ceremony
Final day · Hotel check-out · Gala closing
TimeSession
All Day
Hotel Check-Out / Flight Departures
18:00 – 20:00
Closing Ceremony
Chief Fire Officer Kenrick Hackett, President CAFC
TimeSession
10:00 –
Sunday May 18: Hotel Check-Out
Announcements & Requirements
Dress code · Attendee checklist · Contact
📣
📣 Welcome Announcement · #CAFC2025

Let Us Begin Showing Our Pride, Professionalism & Unity

Formal attire is required for Monday's Group Photos. Business attire is required for all conference sessions.
Dress Code: Department-issued dress uniforms are required for all Fire/EMS personnel participating in the #CAFC2025 Group Photo. Professional dress is required for all others who wish to participate in the Group Picture.
Let us begin the conference tomorrow showing our pride, professionalism, and unity. #CAFC2025

Dress Code

  • Formal attire required for Monday group photo
  • Department-issued dress uniforms required for Fire/EMS personnel in group photo
  • Business attire for all conference sessions
  • Professional dress for others in group photo
  • Formal attire required for Saturday closing ceremony

What to Bring

  • Business cards for networking
  • QR contact codes
  • Coins, pins, and department souvenirs for Meet & Greet
  • EMS equipment if competing in the Clinical Skills Challenge
  • Full bunker gear if competing in the Firefighter Challenge

Vendor Shipping

  • Vendor Coordinators: Rose-Annette Peltier-Lugay & Kevin Haughton
  • Setup begins: 5:30 PM on May 12
  • Breakdown deadline: 5:00 PM on May 15
  • Contact secretariat after registration for logistics coordination

Contact & Support

  • 📧 secretariat@caribbeanfirechiefs.com
  • 📞 +1 (767) 613-0912
  • 📍 Level 5, GPO Building, Bridgetown, Barbados
  • EMS Challenge: wwarren@gescg.org
7
Conference Days
3
Leadership Tracks
TBD
Sessions
TBD
Speakers
Announcements & Requirements
Dress code · Attendee checklist · Contact
📣
📣 Welcome Announcement · #CAFC2026

Let Us Begin Showing Our Pride, Professionalism & Unity

Formal attire is required for Monday's Group Photos. Business attire is required for all conference sessions.
Dress Code: Department-issued dress uniforms are required for all Fire/EMS personnel participating in the #CAFC2026 Group Photo. Professional dress is required for all others who wish to participate in the Group Picture.
Let us begin the conference showing our pride, professionalism, and unity. #CAFC2026

Dress Code

  • Formal attire required for Monday group photo
  • Department-issued dress uniforms required for Fire/EMS personnel in group photo
  • Business attire for all conference sessions
  • Professional dress for others in group photo
  • Formal attire required for Saturday closing ceremony

What to Bring

  • Business cards for networking
  • QR contact codes
  • Coins, pins, and department souvenirs for Meet & Greet

Conference Location

  • Hodelpa Garden Suites, Golf & Convention Center
  • Playa Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic
  • May 17–23, 2026

Contact & Support

  • 📧 secretariat@caribbeanfirechiefs.com
  • 📞 +1 (767) 613-0912
  • 📍 Level 5, GPO Building, Bridgetown, Barbados
Sunday, May 17 — Arrival & Registration
Conference opens · Hotel check-in
TimeSession
All Day
Hotel Check-In
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Conference Registration
6:00 PM
Dinner
Monday, May 18 — Opening Day
Opening Ceremony · Business Meeting · Meet & Greet
TimeSession
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast
9:00 AM
Opening Ceremony & Group Photo
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Business Meeting
2:30 PM – 2:50 PM
Presentation by German Delegation
2:50 PM – 3:00 PM
Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Business Meeting (cont.)
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Meet & Greet
Tuesday–Thursday, May 19–21 — Leadership Academies
Three parallel tracks running simultaneously · Select your track below
#CSDELA
Caribbean Senior Disaster & Emergency Leadership Academy
Senior-level leaders: Chief Fire Officers, EMS Chief Officers, Fire Commissioners, Deputy Chiefs, Senior Emergency Management & Military Officers

Goals: Develop strategic leadership skills for high-level disaster and fire/EMS operations. Enhance decision-making and crisis management for large-scale incidents. Strengthen understanding of legal responsibilities in leadership. Improve operational command and coordination in multi-agency responses.

Objectives: Analyze executive-level strategies and decision-making processes. Evaluate legal considerations affecting senior leadership. Apply incident command principles for complex, large-scale emergencies. Demonstrate crisis leadership and public communication strategies.

Outcomes: Participants will develop strong command presence and crisis leadership abilities. Senior officers will gain insights into legal frameworks affecting their roles. Attendees will be better prepared to lead during multi-agency situations. Graduates will leave with actionable leadership strategies for their organizations.

TimeSession
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Opening Remarks & Presentation of Flags
CFO Kenrick Hackett (Turks & Caicos)
8:30 AM – 9:15 AM
Lessons Learned: Hurricane Melissa Response
CFO Dr. Hezedean A. Smith (Jamaica)
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM
Command Presence — Panel Discussion
CFO Errol Maynard (Barbados, Facilitator), CFO Kenrick Hackett (Turks & Caicos), CFO Kevin Haughton (Jamaica), CFO Ditney Downes (St. Lucia)
10:00 AM – 10:20 AM
Vendor Presentation
10:20 AM – 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
CAFC Strategic Planning and Leadership (Bring your laptops)
CFO Errol Maynard (Barbados), CFO Dr. Hezedean A. Smith (Jamaica)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Incident Command at Large-Scale & Multi-Agency Events
CFO Hezedean A. Smith (Jamaica)
2:30 PM – 2:50 PM
Vendor Presentation
2:50 PM – 3:00 PM
Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Risk Mitigation
CFO Pauletta Silvanco (Sint Maarten)
4:00 PM
End of Day
TimeSession
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Day 2 Overview
CFO Errol Maynard (Barbados)
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Vision Alignment for Leaders
CFO Dr. Hezedean A. Smith (Jamaica)
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
CAFC Emergency Services Registry — Credentialing
CFO Dr. Hezedean A. Smith (Jamaica) — EMS, EMD, CERT; CFO Errol Maynard (Barbados) — Chief Officer, Firefighter, Special Ops
10:00 AM – 10:20 AM
Vendor Presentation
10:20 AM – 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Fire Scene Management – The St. Lucia Experience
CFO Ditney Downes (St. Lucia)
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Women in Emergency Services
Amaly St. Cyr-Andrew (Vice Chair – IFECASA), Arvolon Wilson-Smith (Community Liaison)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Hurricane Melissa Response: Jamaica Fire Brigade
CFO Dr. Hezedean A. Smith (Jamaica)
2:30 PM – 2:50 PM
Vendor Presentation
2:50 PM – 3:00 PM
Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
High-Rise Fire Operations for Senior Officers
CFO Dr. Hezedean A. Smith (Jamaica)
4:00 PM
End of Day
TimeSession
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Day 3 Overview
CFO Errol Maynard (Barbados)
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
High-Level Communication & Political Acumen
CFO Errol Maynard (Barbados)
10:00 AM – 10:20 AM
Vendor Presentation
10:20 AM – 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Mental Wellbeing and Psychological Distress in Caribbean Fire/EMS Professionals
CFO Dr. Hezedean A. Smith (Jamaica)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Fire Service Innovation & Future Trends
TBD
2:30 PM – 2:50 PM
Vendor Presentation
2:50 PM – 3:00 PM
Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
CAFC Strategic Planning Panel Discussion & Wrap Up
CFO Hackett, Maynard, Haughton
4:00 PM
End of Day
#CJDELA
Caribbean Junior Disaster & Emergency Leadership Academy
Junior-level leaders: Cadet & Divisional Officers, Leading Firefighters, Section Leaders, Sergeants, Station & Sub-Station Officers, Junior Military Officers

Goals: Equip junior officers with foundational leadership skills. Enhance understanding of legal responsibilities and HR policies for officers. Develop tactical decision-making abilities for fireground operations. Foster team leadership and a positive department culture.

Objectives: Identify key traits for transitioning from a junior officer to senior leadership. Understand legal responsibilities, liability, and HR management. Demonstrate incident command, tactical size-up skills and decision-making. Implement strategies for crew management, morale, and performance.

Outcomes: Participants will gain confidence in their leadership roles. Attendees will develop critical thinking and decision-making skills. Officers will understand legal compliance and risk mitigation strategies. Graduates will be prepared to lead effectively in various situations.

TimeSession
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Opening Remarks & Presentation of Flags
CFO Kenrick Hackett (Turks & Caicos)
8:30 AM – 9:15 AM
Lessons Learned: Hurricane Melissa Response
CFO Dr. Hezedean A. Smith (Jamaica)
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM
Command Presence — Panel Discussion
CFO Errol Maynard (Barbados, Facilitator), CFO Kenrick Hackett (Turks & Caicos), CFO Kevin Haughton (Jamaica), CFO Ditney Downes (St. Lucia)
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Visit Exhibit Area & Break
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Incident Management & Safety
Divisional Officer Marlon Small (Barbados)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Legal Responsibilities of Junior Officers
CFO Errol Maynard (Barbados)
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Visit Exhibit Area & Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
DISC Assessment
CFO Hezedean A. Smith (Jamaica)
4:00 PM
End of Day
TimeSession
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Day 2 Overview
CFO Errol Maynard (Barbados)
8:30 AM – 9:15 AM
Vision Alignment for Leaders
CFO Dr. Hezedean A. Smith (Jamaica)
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM
CAFC Emergency Services Registry — Credentialing
CFO Dr. Hezedean A. Smith (Jamaica) — EMS, EMD, CERT; CFO Errol Maynard (Barbados) — Chief Officer, Firefighter, Special Ops
9:45 AM – 10:30 AM
Expectations & Professionalism of Officers
Jenelle Ross-McIntyre (IFE-CASA)
10:30 AM – 10:40 AM
Break
10:40 AM – 12:00 PM
Transitioning from Junior Officer to Senior Officer
CFO Kenrick Hackett (Turks & Caicos)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Fire Scene Management – The St. Lucia Experience
CFO Ditney Downes (St. Lucia)
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Visit Exhibit Area & Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Leading in a Toxic Environment
Station Officer Damian Bayne (Barbados)
4:00 PM
End of Day
TimeSession
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Day 3 Overview
CFO Kenrick Hackett (Turks & Caicos)
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
High-Level Communication & Political Acumen
CFO Errol Maynard (Barbados)
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Visit Exhibit Area & Break
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Risk Mitigation
CFO Pauletta Silvanco (Sint Maarten)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Women in Emergency Services / Incident Command Scenarios — Tabletop
Amaly St. Cyr-Andrew (Vice Chair – IFECASA), Arvolon Wilson-Smith (Community Liaison), Deputy Commissioner Haughton
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Visit Exhibit Area & Break
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
IFECASA Credentialing Overview
Jenelle Ross-McIntyre (IFE-CASA)
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Incident Command Scenarios — Tabletop
Dr. Hezedean Smith (Jamaica)
5:00 PM
End of Day
#CEMSLA
Caribbean EMS Leadership Academy
EMS personnel at all levels: EMTs, Advanced EMTs, Drivers, Ambulance Attendants, First Responders, Paramedics, Military Medics

Goals: Enhance leadership capabilities in EMS operations and system management. Address mental health and stress management in high-pressure EMS environments. Develop operational knowledge of data management and fire-based EMS models. Prepare EMS providers for crisis response, mass casualty incidents, and emerging technologies.

Objectives: Examine EMS system integration for effective pre-hospital care. Understand the impact of stress, PTSD, burnout in EMS and mitigation strategies. Analyze EMS operations and mass casualty response in fire service models. Assess legal considerations, compliance, and risk management in EMS leadership.

Outcomes: EMS personnel will be better equipped to manage stress and prevent burnout. Leaders will develop data-driven EMS decision-making skills. Participants will gain insights into crisis leadership and mass casualty management. Graduates will be prepared to implement EMS leadership pipelines and mentorship.

TimeSession
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Opening Remarks & Presentation of Flags
CFO Kenrick Hackett (Turks & Caicos)
8:30 AM – 9:15 AM
Lessons Learned: Hurricane Melissa Response
CFO Dr. Hezedean A. Smith (Jamaica)
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM
Command Presence — Panel Discussion
CFO Errol Maynard (Barbados, Facilitator), CFO Kenrick Hackett (Turks & Caicos), CFO Kevin Haughton (Jamaica), CFO Ditney Downes (St. Lucia)
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Visit Exhibit Area & Break
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Research 101
CFO Dr. Hezedean Smith (Jamaica), Dr. Winston R. Warren (Barbados/US), Dr. David Byer, MD (Barbados)
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Mental Health & Psychological Distress in EMS/Fire Professionals
CFO Dr. Hezedean Smith (Jamaica), Dr. Winston R. Warren (Barbados/US), Dr. David Byer, MD (Barbados)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Back to the Basics: EMS Topics / Airway Management Skills
Dr. Winston R. Warren (Barbados/US), Dr. David Byer, MD (Barbados)
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Visit Exhibit Area & Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Trauma & Medical Assessment Scenarios
Dr. Winston R. Warren (Barbados/US), Dr. David Byer, MD (Barbados)
4:00 PM
End of Day
TimeSession
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Day 2 Overview
CFO Errol Maynard (Barbados)
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Vision Alignment for Leaders
CFO Dr. Hezedean A. Smith (Jamaica)
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
CAFC Emergency Services Registry — Credentialing
CFO Dr. Hezedean A. Smith (Jamaica) — EMS, EMD, CERT; CFO Errol Maynard (Barbados) — Chief Officer, Firefighter, Special Ops
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Visit Exhibit Area & Break
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
EMS Operations in Mass Shootings / MCIs / Optimizing EMS Scope of Practice
Dr. David Byer, MD (Barbados), CFO Dr. Hezedean Smith (Jamaica)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Fire-Based EMS: Operational Models / Panel: Training & Development in EMS
Dr. Winston Warren (Barbados/US), Dr. David Byer, MD (Barbados)
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Visit Exhibit Area & Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Best Practices in EMS
Dr. David Byer, MD (Barbados), Dr. Winston Warren (Barbados/US)
4:00 PM
End of Day
TimeSession
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Day 3 Overview / Tabletop EMS Scenarios
Dr. Winston Warren (Barbados/US), Dr. David Byer, MD (Barbados)
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Visit Exhibit Area & Break
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Maximizing EMS Effectiveness in Resource-Limited Environments
Dr. David Byer, MD (Barbados)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Women in Emergency Services / Building an EMS System Pipeline
Amaly St. Cyr-Andrew (Vice Chair – IFECASA), Arvolon Wilson-Smith (Community Liaison)
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Visit Exhibit Area & Break
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
NEMSMA Credentialing Overview
CFO Dr. Hezedean A. Smith (Jamaica)
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Q&A, Closing & Course Evaluations
Dr. Winston Warren (Barbados/US)
4:00 PM
End of Day
Vendor Exhibit Schedule — May 19–21 (Daily)
Vendor presentations and exhibits during conference sessions
TimeActivity
10:00 AM – 10:20 AM
Morning Vendor Presentation
10:20 AM – 2:30 PM
Vendor Exhibits Open
2:30 PM – 2:50 PM
Afternoon Vendor Presentation
2:50 PM – 4:00 PM
Vendor Exhibits Open
Friday, May 22 — IFE-CASA Incident Command Program & Business Meeting
IFE-CASA Program · Business Meeting conclusion · Executive Meeting
IFE-CASA Incident Command Program
TimeSession
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fundamentals of Incident Command System
Ralph Corbett (IFE-CASA)
Audience: Dominican Republic Stakeholders
Business Meeting & Executive Session
TimeSession
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Business Meeting (cont.)
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM
Break
10:10 AM – 12:00 PM
Business Meeting Conclusion
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
ProBoard Update
CFO Errol Maynard (Barbados), Jenelle Ross-McIntyre (IFE-CASA), Ralph Corbett (IFE-CASA)
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Executive Meeting
3:15 PM
End of Day
Saturday, May 23 — Closing Ceremony
Final day · Closing Gala
TimeSession
All Day
Hotel Check-Out (tomorrow) / Check-in for flights
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Closing Ceremony
Sunday, May 24 — Departure
10:00 AM until...
Hotel Check-Out · Safe travels! #CAFC2026
Register Now → Contact Secretariat Vendor/Sponsor Registration →
Plan Your Trip

Travel & Accommodation

Hodelpa Garden Suites, Golf & Convention Center — Playa Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic
Hodelpa Garden Suites, Golf & Convention Center
Autovia del Este · Blvd de Juan Dolio · Playa Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic
✈️

Getting There

Fly into Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

🛬
Airport Code
SDQ — Santo Domingo

The hotel is approximately 45 minutes east of SDQ via Autovia del Este.

🏨

Official Conference Hotel

Hodelpa Garden Suites
Golf & Convention Center
📞 +(809) 638-1000  /  +(809) 688-9999
📧 reservas@hodelpa.com
www.hodelpa.com/juan-dolio →
Negotiated Group Rates · All Inclusive
Room & Tax Included — Book Under Group Code
🛏️
Single Occupancy
USD 110
per person / per night
👫
Double Occupancy
USD 85
per person / per night
📋 How to Book Your Room
Group Booking Code Grupo #002696
Email Reservations reservas@hodelpa.com
Phone +(809) 638-1000  /  +(809) 688-9999
What to Expect

2026 Leadership Tracks

🔴

Senior Leadership Academy

Strategic leadership, command presence, legal frameworks, crisis management, and multi-agency coordination for chief-level fire and EMS officers.

🔵

Junior Leadership Academy

Foundational leadership skills, incident command, fireground decision-making, legal responsibilities, and team culture for company-level officers.

🟢

EMS Leadership Academy

EMS system integration, mass casualty response, mental health, legal compliance, and emerging technology for pre-hospital care providers.

Plus: IFE-CASA Incident Command Program · Vendor Expo