Hochiki Europe and Jendee Trading join forces for Caribbean Fire Safety Seminars

A key element of this initiative has been the active participation of the local electrical inspectorates on each island, duly underscoring the commitment to ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.

From 4-22 May, a joint team from Hochiki and the Jendee Trading Company visited St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Trinidad (pictured) and Grenada. Critically, team members presented alongside representatives from the local electrical inspectorate to a wide array of professionals, among them fire safety installers, electrical engineers, building owners and insurance companies.

This collaborative approach ensured that the information shared not only reflected international Best Practice, but also aligned directly with the specific fire safety regulations and legal frameworks in each island. The seminars catered to diverse industries such as tourism, the commercial sector, retail, entertainment, healthcare, agriculture, food production, renewable energy and technology.

The primary objective of this initiative was to elevate fire safety knowledge and promote Best Practice within the Caribbean, with a strong focus on adherence to local laws, as well as American and British Standards. By involving the electrical inspectorates directly in the presentations, the seminars yielded invaluable insights into regional compliance requirements.

The teams delivered two accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses: BS 5839 Part 1 Code of Practice for Fire Detection System Design and False Alarm Reduction, both of which were contextualised within the local regulatory landscape.

Collaborative approach

Richard Wharram, export sales manager at Hochiki Europe, has highlighted the significance of this collaborative approach.

“We were incredibly enthusiastic about engaging with our customers, both new and existing, across the Caribbean,” stated Wharram. “Sharing the stage with our esteemed colleagues from the Jendee Trading Company, whose deep regional expertise is unmatched, was a privilege. Further, the active involvement of the local electrical inspectorates was paramount, ensuring our educational content is directly relevant to local regulations. Attendees benefited from this comprehensive approach, gaining valuable insights into design support, in-depth product knowledge, technical training and commissioning assistance, ultimately contributing towards safer and more compliant installations within their communities.”

Debbie Marsh, director at the Jendee Trading Company, has emphasised the importance of this integrated approach. “Our five decades of experience in the Caribbean have taught us the vital importance of working closely with local authorities,” explained Marsh. “Partnering with Hochiki Europe and, crucially, the electrical inspectorates for each island has allowed us to deliver training that’s not only informative, but also directly relevant to legal and regulatory frameworks. This collaborative effort is key to building trusted partnerships and ensuring the highest standards of fire safety.”

Trusted partnerships

Shinsuke Kubo, managing director of Hochiki Europe, underscored the strategic importance of this multi-faceted collaboration.

“Establishing strong and trusted partnerships within the Caribbean region is fundamental to Hochiki Europe’s long-term commitment,” stated Kubo. “By working in close conjunction with the Jendee Trading Company and, most importantly, with the local electrical inspectorates, we’ve demonstrated our dedication to ensuring that our knowledge and expertise are applied in a way that’s fully compliant with local laws and regulations. This unified approach is crucial for building a safer and more resilient future for the Caribbean.”

This collaborative endeavour underscores Hochiki Europe's commitment to global safety and the company’s dedication to working alongside experienced partners like the Jendee Trading Company and local regulatory bodies to deliver impactful, compliant and locally relevant knowledge and support for international markets.