THE Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday officially commissioned the long-awaited Diamond Fire Station. The modern facility, constructed at a cost of $107.6 million, represents a significant investment in national fire safety and emergency-response infrastructure.

The commissioning ceremony was led by Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, alongside Permanent Secretary Andre Ally, Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham, Regional Police Commander 4B Wayne DeHearte, Divisional Officer Hemchandra Persaud, and senior officials from the Guyana Fire Service.

The Diamond Fire Station is outfitted with a comprehensive range of modern amenities designed to enhance operational efficiency, support personnel welfare, and deliver faster, more effective emergency response services. At the heart of the station is a fully equipped control room, which serves as the nerve centre for dispatching units and monitoring fire-related incidents in real time. A spacious conference room facilitates strategic planning sessions, team briefings, interagency coordination, and training workshops.

To support its proactive approach to fire safety, the station includes a Fire Prevention Officer’s office, a dedicated space for developing community outreach programmes, conducting inspections, and promoting fire-prevention awareness across the region.

The station also features a specialised Emergency Medical Services (EMS) office and storage area, allowing for better management of medical supplies, emergency kits, and quick coordination of life-saving assistance during fire and rescue missions. A dedicated IT room supports digital operations, while the finance and administrative offices enable efficient recordkeeping, personnel management, and logistical planning.

Staff welfare is also a top priority. The station is equipped with a fully functional gym, promoting health and physical readiness among firefighters. A training room ensures continuous capacity-building, while the laundry area caters to hygiene and uniform maintenance needs. A comfortable waiting area is available for visitors, civilians, and clients seeking public fire-service support.

Finally, the station includes well-appointed senior and junior living quarters that provide round-the-clock accommodation for on-duty officers, ensuring rapid mobilisation and preparedness at any hour of the day or night.

The commissioning of the Diamond Fire Station not only marks the advancement of physical infrastructure but also embodies a broader vision of responsive, community-focused public safety.

As additional stations are slated for commissioning, the government is steadily building a robust regional safety network, one that ensures every resident across Guyana has timely and reliable access to essential emergency services. (MoHA)