Albuquerque District 6 City Councilor Nichole Rogers, Albuquerque Fire and Rescue Chief Emily Jaramillo, and Ralph L. Mims of R. Mims World Group have announced the successful delivery of donated surplus fire equipment from the Albuquerque Fire and Rescue Department to the Nation of Antigua and Barbuda in the Eastern Caribbean.
Ralph L. Mims, President of the R. Mims World Group, expressed gratitude on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda's government for the generosity of New Mexico and the Albuquerque Fire Department. He stated, “This donation will help the nation of Antigua and Barbuda meet their critical safety needs. Our communities in the Caribbean are forever thankful.”
The donated equipment, including Wildland Boots, Bunker Gear, Hose Reels, and Sawzall’s, was handed over to Antigua and Barbuda's police and fire officials on Jan. 29, 2024, at the V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua.
Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers highlighted the role of the Denton program in facilitating the transport of the equipment, stating, “The Denton program allows organizations to use space available on U.S. military cargo planes to transport humanitarian goods to countries in need.” She further added, “When Ralph presented us with Antigua’s and Barbuda’s needs, it became doable to donate AFR equipment. The City of Albuquerque is honored to help our sister cities become stronger.”
The collaboration between local efforts led by R. Mims World Group, the U.S. Embassy in Barbados, the USA AID Program, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Denton program has enabled the donation of essential equipment to Antigua and Barbuda. The R. Mims World Group aims to foster continued economic development connections between New Mexico and the Nation of Antigua & Barbuda.
