THE new $17M Bartica Fire Station was yesterday commissioned by Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee.
The Minister yesterday spoke of the acquisition of the land by the ruling party, People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the land preparation and the construction of the facility. Rohee told the gathering too that during a visit to the Bartica Fire Station at Fourth Avenue, Bartica, he noticed some flaws to the building and the commissioning was re-scheduled and the defects were rectified.
He added that the commission of the Bartica Fire Station is a good development for the community and signals to other hinterland communities of government’s commitment in the construction of fire stations in outlying areas and as such decided to revise the hinterland protection plan.
Rohee also referred the Mahdia fire and the absence of a fire station in that community acknowledging the need for one there.
The minister thanked the 19 members who volunteered for the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) Auxiliary Branch in the community and stated that their service is recognized by the government also.
He reminded the gathering also of the recent commission of the Rose Hall Fire Station in Berbice and emphasised the importance of partnerships with both the business community and the Government of Guyana (GOG), and urged the residents to be vigilant in the use of the fire station at Bartica in the protection and safety of all residents.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the GFS, Fire Chief Marlon Gentle spoke of how the process of building the fire station at Bartica materialized, and now on a sprawling one and a quarter acre of land a spanking new fire station is standing to cater to the needs of the community.
He explained that initially a small unit was supposed to be installed with GFS staffers and volunteers but as a result of the rapid growth and development of Bartica it was realised that a more dynamic approach had to be taken and the construction of such a fire station was born.
Gentle said that the Bartica Fire Station is equipped with a land rover to access rough terrain in several areas of the mining community and a fire tender is also there along with 19 volunteers, who were in training since 2009.
The Fire Chief stated that the volunteers and the firemen are working collaboratively and their aim is to have a competent response team in the event of an emergency in that community.
He also expressed gratitude to Mr. Rohee for his Ministry’s input in the construction of the Bartica Fire Station, which was in the pipeline for a while and added that the fire station is there to serve the community and asked that they ensure that the facility remains operational.
Retired Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Joseph Carl Rogers during brief remarks lauded the efforts of the government and the GFS for the much needed Bartica Fire Station in the protection of homes and businesses.
Also present was Captain Gerry Gouveia, who represented the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and said that the development represents the initiative of the relevant authorities and noted that it is the first ever fire station in Bartica, which has rapidly grown into a tourist destination which sees an influx of visitors on a regular basis and the need for a fire station was most needed.
Gouveia said, “This is a symbolic development for Bartica.”
Regional Chairman, Mr. Holbert Knights outlined the growth of development in Bartica and expressed appreciation for the new fire station in that community.
GFS Station Officer, Compton Sparman and Divisional Officer, Jacqueline Johnson also made brief remarks at the commission ceremony yesterday, which was held in the compound of the Bartica Fire Station.
Rohee yesterday also unveiled the plaque and handed over the keys to GFS Chief Fire Officer, Marlon Gentle, prior to a tour of the facility.