ALL Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and municipalities across Region Six will soon be equipped with fire tenders as part of a national initiative to strengthen fire-fighting capabilities. This move follows the training of staff members as auxiliary firefighters, who will be responsible for managing fires in their early stages while awaiting the arrival of the Guyana Fire Service.

The initiative, conceptualised by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, aims to enhance emergency-response efforts in communities beyond 2025.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, on Monday handed over six brand new mini-firefighting vehicles to the Region Six Democratic Council.
This will boost the fire-response capability of communities that are not in close proximity to fire stations in the regions.

Auxiliary firefighters have already been trained throughout the country and all NDCs have been outfitted with the requisite facilities to house these machines which have the capacity to effectively respond to fires as a first line of defence.
Minister Parag highlighted that the newly acquired fire tenders, which resemble pickup trucks, are both powerful and highly manoeuvrable. Their compact design allows them to navigate narrow streets in densely populated areas, thereby ensuring faster response times in emergencies.

Minister Parag further disclosed that 40 of these specialised vehicles have been procured for nationwide distribution, with Region Six receiving six so far.
Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, described the commissioning of the fire tenders as a historic investment in Guyana’s fire-fighting infrastructure. He noted that this initiative marks one of the most significant advancements in the country’s emergency-response capabilities.

“We have been able to invest in some of the most modern equipment. We have been able to invest in new fire tenders, brand-new water bowsers, telescopic fire-fighting capabilities…” Dr. Singh stated.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the Regional Democratic Council in Region Six, was attended by Regional Chairman David Armogan, Regional Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain, and Regional Executive Officer Narindra Persaud, among other officials.
The introduction of these fire tenders aligns with the government’s broader agenda to enhance disaster preparedness and response efforts nationwide, thereby ensuring greater safety and protection for citizens.