Fire Chief reports enthusiasm among volunteers

CHIEF Fire Officer Marlon Gentle said, after a visit to the Kwakwani and Mahdia Stations last week, that the equipment was well kept and the volunteers of the auxiliaries are enthusiastic about their work in those outlying communities.

He disclosed that the 18 volunteers are being paid a stipend to upkeep the equipment and man the auxiliaries so they can respond in a timely manner if there is a fire.
Gentle said he is satisfied with what he saw and it shows they will continue to work diligently to fight fires.

The Fire Chief announced that, next week, he will be visiting Lethem, Port Kaituma and Mabaruma Stations to observe the operations there as well.
Last year 1*8 volunteers successfully completed a one-week beginners training programme, through the Hinterland Fire Protection Plan, which prepared them to man the stations in their communities.
Gentle explained that, under that plan, Lethem, Mahdia, Kwakwani, Mabaruma, Kumaka and Port Kaituma were provided with fire fighting capabilities.
He also pointed out that the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has grown over the years from having five ill-equipped stations to a total of 15, which are outfitted with modern fire fighting vehicles and equipment countrywide.

PERSISTENT CRITICISMS
Gentle said notwithstanding persistent criticisms, the GFS has made significant strides as an organisation within recent times.
Meanwhile, he revealed that all the activities undertaken during 2010 resulted from the implementation of the GFS Strategic Plan and the Hinterland Fire Protection Plan.
Gentle said, further, that work will advance this year towards fully implementing both plans, following efforts in 2010 to decentralise operations and ensure that outlying communities are the recipients of better fire fighting services, the last of which has been achieved with support from the business sector and public-spirited citizens.
He said the void which previously existed in the GFS reaching the outlying areas was filled with the introduction of the Hinterland Plan.
The importance of expanding the services was emphasised in recent times by the rapid growth and development witnessed in the hinterland communities.
The places targeted include Kumaka, Port Kaituma, Moruca, Mabaruma, Lethem, Mahdia and Kwakwani and the strategy envisages a partnership between residents, who have shown a high level of interest and the GFS.

(By Michel Outridge)