The North Wales Jamaica Society is supporting an initiative spearheaded by a North Wales firefighter in an international aid effort that reaches from Bangor to Jamaica.
Mike Mapp, a dedicated member of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, has launched a campaign to deliver two decommissioned fire engines and a container of lifesaving equipment to Clarendon, Jamaica, where firefighting resources are in critically short supply.
The initiative, called “Engine of Hope,” gained traction on Windrush Day, as Mike and his Bangor Blue Watch team parked one of the donated fire engines outside Bangor Cathedral, raising awareness and funds for the project. It’s a gesture that bridges continents, history, and a shared sense of duty to serve. The Bangor Cathedral team linked with Bangor based Learning Links International to prepare a moving Service of Thanksgiving with the national recognition on Windrush Day, Sunday 22nd June.
“We’ve seen the need firsthand. Clarendon’s fire service lacks basic equipment that we often take for granted,” said Mike. “This isn’t just about sending vehicles, it’s about building a safer future and strengthening bonds between communities.”
A Powerful Historical Connection
Clarendon’s link to Bangor is deeply rooted in the legacy of Penrhyn Castle, which was built with wealth derived from Jamaican sugar plantations owned by the Pennant family. Now, a symbolic reversal is underway: support and solidarity are being returned to the very region once impacted by colonial exploitation.
On Windrush Day, Gilbert Watkins, a Jamaican-born Armed Forces veteran now living in Corwen, led a moving ceremony by carrying the Windrush banner. He was escorted by Garrick Prayogg, Chair of the North Wales Jamaica Society (NWJS), who read scripture and reminded the public of ongoing injustices faced by the Windrush Generation, including wrongful deportations and denied access to healthcare and housing.
“This isn’t just charity. It’s justice. And it’s about recognising the enduring contributions of Caribbean communities to Britain,” Prayogg said.
Equipment, Training, and Urgent Need
The campaign has already secured two fire engines, donated by Fire Aid, and a shipping container full of vital equipment, including inflatable flood rescue boats, breathing apparatus, and protective clothing. The next challenge is financial: covering the shipping and logistics costs from North Wales to Kingston, and then on to Clarendon.
Organisers are also planning on-site training for Jamaican firefighters, ensuring that local crews are fully equipped, not just with tools, but with the skills and confidence to use them effectively.
“This training is a vital part of the mission,” said Geoff Miller, a Jamaican-born firefighter based in Holyhead, who is a very active part of the team leading the appeal. “We’re not just handing over keys, we’re working hand-in-hand.”
Community Support and Fundraising
So far, the GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly £9,000. The goal is to raise enough to ship both fire engines and the container of gear to Jamaica by late summer.
Anyone interested in supporting the cause can:
Donate via GoFundMe: gofundme.com/f/engine-of-hope
Support via NWJS: www.nwjsonline.com or call 📞 07711 569489
Contact Garrick Prayogg (Chair, NWJS):
📞 07878 915864
A Mission of Justice and Hope
At its core, the Engine of Hope is more than an aid shipment; it’s a mission of reconciliation, justice, and international solidarity. As fire crews in Bangor work to support their brothers and sisters in Clarendon, they’re also igniting conversations about shared responsibility, post-colonial reparations, and human dignity.
“This is the right thing to do,” said Mike. “We’re not just sending equipment. We’re sending hope.”
Photo: The Bangor Blue Watch team on Windrush Day, with one of the fire engines ready to go over to support the fire service in Clarendon, Jamaica
