The Guyana Fire Service was on Sunday inspected by Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, Fire Chief Gregory Wickham, and other senior members of the fire service. During the engagement, Benn encouraged firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to be vigilant as well as prepared as the busy Christmas season quickly approaches.
The muster exercise, held at Durban Park, was conducted to ensure firefighters are properly kitted out with the necessary protective gear and equipment to address all emergencies.
Minister Benn pointed out that it is important that the emergency services provided are of the highest standard. To this end, the Home Affairs Minister encouraged the ranks to take their positions seriously and always give their best.
“Despite the inclement weather, when duties call, if there’s a fire or accident you have to be ready, you have to turn out and when you turn out you have to be prepared physically, and mentally and be protected because we do not want to have injuries to our people or loss of life,” Benn said.
He continued, “Therefore your training has to tie in with your gears, and you also have to keep renewing your knowledge, training and putting your ambitions out to get the job done, this is extremely important.”
Minister Benn said that the government has given continuous support to the development of the Guyana Fire Service. “The Government has stood behind by providing new kits, new fire stations countrywide and a new headquarter. Additionally, water tenders and ambulances,” Benn said.
Minister Benn also charged the service, stating, “This is our country, and we must recognize our people, ourselves, our diversity and how we want to see our country developed because it will be handed over to the future generations. Therefore you need to evaluate after every job and identify ways to improve.”
Fire Chief Gregory Wickham noted that despite the inclement weather on Sunday, ranks must be prepared to face any adversity in an effort to even save lives.
“This exercise is significant because it allows us to have an understanding of the level of preparedness as it relates to being fully clad or geared for any eventuality during this busy time. This will also allow us to take a strategic approach,” the Fire Chief said.
Over 200 senior and junior ranks as well as Emergency Medical Technicians from the Central, Leonora, La Grange, Alberttown, West Ruimveldt, Campbellville, Eccles, Diamond, Melanie, Mahaica, Timehri, New Amsterdam, Anna Regina, Mahdia and Lethem fire stations braved the rainy weather to be part of the exercise which was conducted in all divisions.
