Students at the Irving Wilson School are now better equipped to respond in the event of a fire emergency following the launch of the Project Bright Guard – Kids Fire Safety Programme, spearheaded by the Barbados Fire Service in collaboration with the Prince Godwill D. Fomusoh Foundation Inc. (PGDFF Caribbean) and Republic Bank.
A donation of 100 smoke detectors, 10 bases, four fire blankets, four fire extinguishers, and children’s fire safety books.
The programme goes beyond donations and introduces a connected emergency response system aimed at protecting vulnerable students, said Deputy Chief Fire Officer Henderson Patrick.
“A central component of this incredible suite of equipment is a dedicated laptop which will be housed at the fire department next door,” he explained.
“It will pair those devices directly to the computer in our dispatch center so that the moment a smoke alarm is triggered anywhere on the compound, the signal travels instantly through our Wi-Fi devices across the network and announces directly to that laptop that an incident is occurring.”
Patrick stressed that the technology would reduce delays during emergencies, especially at special needs schools.
“This eliminates human delay and panic. A teacher does not need to look for a phone, dial an emergency number”, he said, adding that firefighters would be able to respond “in next to no time”.
The initiative is part of the Barbados Fire Service’s wider mission of community risk reduction, said the deputy fire chief.
“The true metrics of a modern world-class fire service is really its approach to community risk reduction. That is actually trying to stop the fire before it starts.”
Junior Minister of Health and Wellness Davidson Ishmael said he was eager to support the programme because of his passion for children and youth development.
“Children hold a very special place in my heart. I believe that they are the future of our country,” he told the gathering.
He noted that children with special needs require additional support when it comes to safety initiatives and called on corporate Barbados to become more involved in social development programmes.
“I want to encourage corporate Barbados to follow their example, because we need more entities across Barbados to help us to lift the load,” he said.
The minister added that the programme is expected to expand beyond Irving Wilson School.
“We’re starting here in Irving Wilson, but I believe there is an intention that once this goes well, we’ll be able to expand to Ann Hill and other institutions,” he said.
Managing Director of PGDFF Caribbean Anita Sundaram said the programme forms part of Republic Bank’s “Power to Make a Difference” partnership for 2026 and is intended to eventually reach schools across Barbados.
“This is our phase one, phase two will be primary schools, and then phase three will be the secondary schools for sure,” she explained.
Every child is to receive the book “Prince’s Fire Safety Tips”.
Republic Bank’s marketing and corporate communications manager of Mischa Knight said the bank was proud to support the initiative because of its focus on practical life-saving education.
“The project is designed to teach valuable life-saving skills and emergency preparedness in a way that is engaging, practical, and empowering,” she said.
The event also featured several interactive demonstrations for the students.
A female fire officer demonstrated the proper “Stop, Drop and Roll” technique before inviting students to try the exercise themselves.
Students were later introduced to protective fire gear while another group toured a fire truck parked outside the school. Some students were also allowed to use the hose, aiming streams of water at a cone positioned in the distance, creating a moment of laughter among students and teachers alike.
Earlier in the programme, Dr. Kandamaran Krishnamurthy, Global Health Director of PGDFF Caribbean, reminded students and staff that prevention remains key.
“Always prevention is better especially with children… small things but it matters,” he said.
As a doctor, Dr Krishnamurthy said the common injuries he sees among children are skin burns and “heated fumes” in the lungs “One is the skin by burns fire. Then second, which we may not see, but as a physician, we see children coming to the hospital is the heated fumes which you inhale and you have the lung issues.”
Teacher and information technology coordinator Wayne Ifill welcomed the initiative, saying safety remains essential to the school environment.
“Safety is not only a responsibility, but a vital part of ensuring that our students are able to learn, grow, and thrive with confidence,” he said.
Patrick later explained that the Barbados Fire Service already treats the area surrounding the special needs institutions as a “silent zone” to reduce distress caused by loud sirens.
“We are conscious of the impact that those loud sirens can have on our students,” he said.
A fire officer showing the students items used by the fire officers. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
Fire officer telling the students about features on the fire truck. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
Irving Wilson students and staff. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
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