Fighting fire! – recognising improvements within the Guyana Fire Service

FOR those critics, especially from the political Opposition who, for the well-known exercise of soliciting sympathy from their constituents, continues to criticise the Government for its socio-economic programmes, the recent opening of the $139M Guyana Fire Service training school at Leonora, is another significant example of what national development is all about.This is a further investment in a most critical and essential service, and comes at a time when a comprehensive security reform programme is currently underway. In fact, the GFS is part of this reform process, with the objective of modernising its operational capacity for maximum response; while being prepared for its envisaged, extended role with regards to rescue and related emergencies.

This event comes in the wake of the recent announcement by Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Clement Rohee, of the Fire Service Strategic Plan 2014 – 2019, a comprehensive programme that in its implementation, will result in a service that will be properly managed, with defined roles and functions for all its actors, clearly demarcated.

Indeed, the GFS has come a very long way, gradually evolving into one that is now far better equipped, than at any other time of its history, to render response emergency service.

From a service, which at the dawn of that epoch-making year of 1992, that only had eight fire stations across Guyana and a few fire tenders, it now has a total of seventeen such services, with the significantly increased number of 54 fire tenders, inclusive of those that are equipped for multi-storeyed fires and related emergencies. It is instructive to note that nine new stations have been built since 1992.

It is an exponential improvement for a critical service that had virtually come to a dangerous halt, and which fire fighting abilities had been severely hampered by porous hoses and outdated equipment. A similar state of affairs was also common in the other sister services, especially the Guyana Police Force.

Therefore, we contend that the Security Sector Reform Programme is timely in its implementation, for what it intends to achieve – a comprehensive reform of all of the disciplined services, with the end product being individual modern components, functioning in a highly competent, professional manner. This also includes a highly capable and responsive fire service.

The undisputed, beautiful reality is that Guyana is now a vastly changed socio-economic landscape. The massive transformation along the clearly visible path of development that the current administration is pursuing cannot be disputed. Evident all over, for instance, is the four-fold increase in the industry and manufacturing sectors.

Reference can also easily be made as it relate to the newly built housing settlements across the country with thousands of newly built homes, among the numerous positive changes. Of course, these developments will always increase the risk of conflagrations and other emergencies.
It means, unhesitatingly, that a modern Fire Service with enhanced response capabilities is an imperative for Guyana. And for this the government must again be commended for its visionary approach in executing a national development plan that is inclusive of, and complements with, all the sectors for a productive whole.
We are certain that as the Guyana Fire Service continues to metamorphose into that highly professionalised service, its response to relevant emergencies will reflect such a transition. At the same time, too, citizens are expected to support the soon-to-be-renamed Guyana Fire and Rescue Service, in its fire preventive efforts.
We continue to wish all the members of this very important service, the very best in its future endeavours.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.