Dozens of businesses across Barbados remain at heightened risk of tragedy due to inadequate fire exits, the island’s chief fire officer has warned, as new developments and renovations continue to outpace improvements in basic safety standards.
Errol Maynard’s comments follow recent developments such as the $50 million Welches commercial centre in St Thomas and the refurbished Wildey complex in St Michael, as the country continues to expand its commercial infrastructure.
In an interview with Barbados TODAY, Maynard noted that while the Barbados Fire Service has made progress working with property owners to improve fire safety, establishments with only one access point remain problematic—particularly in high-traffic areas like Swan Street and Broad Street in Bridgetown.
“Well, the fire service will always be concerned where there is a single exit from any property,” he said. “Some of those one-door institutions have been there for years. And they don’t always have the space to renovate or add additional doors.”
His remarks recalled one of Barbados’ most tragic fires—the September 3 2010 Campus Trendz blaze on Tudor Street, where six young women perished after two would-be robbers set the one-door clothing store alight. Shanna Griffith, Nikkita Belgrave, Pearl Cornelius, Tiffany Harding, Kellishaw Olivierre and Kelly Ann Welch were unable to escape, having become trapped as they ran to the back of the store to flee the smoke and flames.
That incident sparked a national outcry and led to calls for stricter fire safety regulations in commercial buildings.
Chief Maynard revealed that although several older properties remain structurally limited, the fire service has adopted a strategy of “compensatory factors” to mitigate the risk. These include the installation of early-warning systems such as smoke detectors and the training of staff in emergency response protocols.
“We work with them to put in early warning signs, smoke detectors,” he explained. “We also train some of the staff—what to do, what not to do if they see a fire. That helps.”
The fire chief added that any new renovations or developments are subject to scrutiny through the Town and Country Planning process, where the fire service can recommend additional exits.
As the island balances economic expansion with public safety, Maynard also urged developers to prioritise safe building practices—and not wait for tragedy to drive change.
“We generally advise that you add additional exits wherever it is possible,” he said.
While the fire service continues to inspect malls, complexes and other commercial spaces, he admitted the department has not yet reached every facility.
“I can’t say that we have done all of them, but wherever possible, we go out and visit these malls. Once we see a breach, we work with the management to solve the problems.”
Despite the ongoing collaboration, Maynard conceded that more work needs to be done to ensure full compliance.
“Are we satisfied? Not yet. But we’ve recognised that there’s some work being done and more persons are coming on board,” he said. “We are satisfied that more people are becoming compliant.”
sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb
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