THE Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has received a boost to its fire-fighting capacity with 10 fire fighting vehicles and 400 complete body suits, compliments of the People’s Republic of China.

The seven fire tenders and three high rise vehicles were first presented to Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee and then handed over to Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle by the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Limin.
The presentation ceremony took place at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Brickdam, Georgetown, yesterday, following the inking of an agreement between the two countries in which bilateral trade and cooperation will be enhanced.
In brief remarks, Minister Rohee said that ultimately the beneficiaries will be the citizens of Guyana because the fire-fighting vehicles will be distributed to fire stations countrywide.
He noted that Guyana and China have over the years shared friendly relations and as part of the modernisation of the GFS, the vehicles were needed for the provision of an efficient and effective service.
The minister pointed out that the GFS will not be left behind as it is almost on par with fire services around the world and the tools and equipment for such transformation to take place are being provided by the government through the People’s Republic of China.
Rohee pointed out that the GFS has come a far way from having seven fire stations and now they have 16 across the country, and from one-and-a-half water tender they now have 36, not including the 10 recently donated fire-fighting vehicles.
The minister stated that they have seen the growth and development of the GFS and while welcoming the contribution from China, he urged the GFS to maintain and care the gifted vehicles.
In brief remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Limin said that they are pleased with the strengthened ties between Guyana and China and they also appreciate the traditional friendship and relations between the people of both countries.
The diplomat stated that the donation will help the GFS to enhance their fire-fighting capability as the close relations shared by the two countries continue.