–  to conclude Fire Prevention Week
THE Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has been fervently advocating fire safety and prevention not only through its investments in modernising the agency, but its continuous efforts to sensitise citizens.
Fire Prevention Week of activities concluded with a grand exhibition last Friday outside Fogarty’s in Georgetown, catering to the general public.
Effective firefighting is vital in any society hence Government’s focus on ensuring that such an important agency is adequately mobilized and the citizenry is provided with adequate knowledge in order to be good ambassadors of fire safety and prevention, since fires can be very devastating to lives and property.
Divisional Commander, Central Fire Station Georgetown, Gregory Wickham, said, “the people are very responsive and this is what the GFS needs to be successful in its efforts”.

The GFS collaborated with several organisations, which were given the opportunity to showcase their safety products and promote occupational health and safety measures to be followed at the workplace.

Among those present were AINLIM, Industrial Safety Equipment, The Ministry of Labour Human Services and Social Security, Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and National Hardware.

Stacy Phillips, Safety and Environmental Officer, GPL, noted that, “our organization’s aim is to bring information to the public on measures to be taken to prevent, and how to act in cases of electric fires, and we are satisfied with the outcome.”

Members of the public also expressed appreciation for the venture.  “It’s a very good thing because it will be beneficial for the citizens and the nation as a whole,” said Nigel Lynch.

Every year the GFS hosts a week of activities in observance of fire safety and prevention.
Last week’s activities included mini exhibitions at Diamond and Lusignan in Region Four, and at Uitvlugt in Region Three, specifically targeting school children.

This year’s event was held under the theme, “Promoting safer communities through active participation in fire prevention”.

As part of the activities planned, a rescue exercise was staged at the Bank of Guyana Building in Georgetown but was called off because of mechanical difficulties experienced.