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Fighting back Firefighters and ambulance workers in St Maarten stand up against dangerous working conditions
WICSU-PSU President Sharon Cangieter with (from left) Eric Chase (Fire Dept.), Jean Illidge (Ambulance Dept.) , Alvin Daniel (Ambulance Dept.) and Glenn Macnach (Fire Dept.) at the press conference on Monday. (Robert Luckock photo)
On Thursday, August 21, the workers, backed by WICSU-PSU president Sharon Cangieter, addressed the Central Committee of Parliament, outlining a long list of grievances dating back from before the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic and over the life of a number of governments. Their lives are at risk and the deplorable conditions under which they work hamper their ability to effectively serve the public.
Sharon Cangieter, president of WICSU-PSU, remembered: "This isn’t a story of today. This isn’t a story of a government. This is a story of many governments. This is a story that dates back many years. But it has been that every time persons or the members stand up for their rights, they are then disregarded."
Earlier this year, the emergency workers signalled their discontent, highlighting to the public deep systemic issues which include delays in finalising the function book for firefighters. This affects the roles of firefighters and the benefits due to them. This and other long-standing grievances have only been met with promises from authorities.
First responders and other public safety workers in Sint Maarten and across the Caribbean are in solidarity with their sisters and brothers. “Solidarity among public safety workers sends a clear message: we are united in our commitment to protect the public and each other,” says ABVO-Sint Maarten president Sharlon Cathalina.
Unions representing workers in law enforcement in Sint Maarten have declared their solidarity with their comrades. “Their fight for fair conditions and adequate resources is our fight too.”
Shamir Brown, co-chair of a PSI steering group in the Caribbean that focuses on the rights of emergency services workers states, said: “As public emergency workers in the Caribbean, we stand united with our fellow firefighters and paramedics and ambulance workers in Sint Maarten in their call for safer working conditions, fair staffing, and the respect they rightfully deserve.” He adds, “Decent work is for everyone and it is imperative that the authorities recognise this and implement what is necessary.”