A SUCCESSFUL cross-border collaboration among Guyanese and Brazilian firefighters recently averted major damages to several buildings in Rua Sanfrisco, Bonfim, Brazil after a fire was contained.
This was disclosed by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday via a Facebook post.
“Outstanding work by our firefighters from the Lethem Fire Station, who—alongside the State of Roraima Fire Department—responded swiftly and successfully contained a fire at Rua Sanfrisco, Bonfim, Brazil,” the Head of State said.
According to the President, the blaze affected a single-flat wooden and concrete storage bond located close to a school.
“Good job to all involved—this strong cross-border collaboration is commendable,” he added.
Back in 2022, Guyana and Brazil had signed two Inter-Institutional Cooperation Agreements.
The agreements were inked to increase cooperation among the two nation’s security apparatus.
The agreements had also focused on fighting and enforcing additional preventative measures against illegal narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances; terrorism; trafficking in persons; smuggling of wildlife, gold and minerals; trafficking of firearms, ammunition, explosives and their parts; money laundering; forgery; and cybercrimes.
MORE INVESTEMENTS
Meanwhile, the government has been strengthening the capacity of the Guyana Fire Service to respond more effectively and efficiently to emergencies.
To this end, the National Assembly, last month, approved a sum of $52.1 billion for the Ministry of Home Affairs.
During the consideration of estimates and expenditure, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond outlined a wide-ranging programme to strengthen emergency response capacity nationwide.
Among the projects highlighted is the construction of the West Ruimveldt Fire Station, which is expected to be completed later this year.
New stations are also being built at Wisroc, Soesdyke and Onderneeming, while works are underway to complete the Diamond and Mahaicony Fire Stations.
The Campbellville Fire Station will be reconstructed, and rehabilitation and furnishing works are planned for the New Amsterdam Fire Station. An electrical upgrade is scheduled for the Bartica Fire Station.
In hinterland and riverine communities, works include the construction of reservoirs at the Lethem and Mabaruma Fire Stations to improve water storage capacity.
A marine fire station is to be constructed in Georgetown, while a satellite station is planned for the Timehri aerodrome.
The Leonora Training Facility will be extended, and new station offices are also to be constructed as part of the wider modernisation drive.
Minister Walrond further highlighted that a sum of $2.9 billion is required for the repair and installation of fire hydrants.
Of this sum, $250 million was earmarked for the purchasing and installation of hydrants in all regions.
The minister added that an additional $50 million has been set aside for basic recruit training to increase the fire service and strengthen frontline capacity.
