Firefighters Turn Up the Heat, Forcing CEOs to the Negotiation Table

Belize City firefighters and representatives of the Public Service Union (PSU), including President Dean Flowers, met with the CEO in the Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, Kennedy Carrillo, and the CEO of the Public Service, Rolando Zetina.

The meeting was held this morning in Belmopan.

On Friday, the firefighters initiated a go-slow following a sudden announcement that their overtime pay would be cut, effective immediately. The decision came after years of worsening conditions, inadequate equipment, and minimal compensation.

They also accused fire department leadership of mismanaging funds while failing to address critical needs.

In a social media post, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management said, “This morning CEO Kennedy Carrillo met with 13 firefighters from different geographical divisions of the department. CEO Carrillo, accompanied by the CEO of the Public Service, Rolando Zetina, engaged in an amicable and productive dialogue with the firefighters who were accompanied by the President of the Public Service, Mr. Dean Flower. The concerns that had been raised regarding cuts in overtime hours provided the opportunity for the officers to raise other pressing concerns. CEO Carrillo assured the officers that the most immediate concern regarding overtime was already being addressed by the Ministry with the Ministry of Finance to identify necessary funds to meet the constraints as a result of the end of fiscal year adjustments. Regarding other administrative matters such as allowances, promotions, transfers, and other concerns, the CEO assured the officers that the Ministry will continue to work with the Ministry of the Public Service to address these in a timely manner. Since assuming responsibility for disaster risk management in May, Minister Andre Perez and his CEO have committed to improving the Fire Department, NEMO, and the Met Service by addressing administrative and financial matters with urgency. The ministry will continue to do so. CEO Carrillo thanked the 13 officers for the open and constructive dialogue.”

In an interview with News Five, Flowers raised serious concerns about the deteriorating conditions of fire stations across the country, alleging that some stations are deliberately neglected due to internal management conflicts. Flowers said that the poor state of these facilities is not just a matter of oversight but, in some cases, a targeted act against certain officers.

He also pointed out that stations like the one in Ladyville are in an especially terrible condition. He questioned why fire officials are subjected to such conditions when top management and government officials would not tolerate working in similar environments.

“The senior management team in the Fire Department must be held accountable,” Flowers stated, calling on the government and the responsible minister to intervene. He noted that for too long, the department’s leadership has gone unchecked, and it is now time for a serious assessment of whether they are fit for their roles.