$144M Charity Fire Station commissioned to strengthen emergency response on Essequibo Coast

— Minister Benn reaffirms Govt commitment to security, service, and safeguarding Guyana’s future

Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn on Saturday commissioned a modern, state-of-the-art fire station at Charity, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), constructed at a cost of $144 million to enhance fire and emergency response services along the Essequibo Coast.

The newly completed facility is expected to significantly enhance emergency response and fire prevention capabilities in the northern part of the region.
Addressing residents at the commissioning ceremony, Minister Benn said the Government’s investments in the fire service and wider security sector are part of a broader commitment to national development, safety, and the betterment of citizens’ lives.

He pointed to the tragic fire at the Charity Market as a pivotal moment that underscored the urgent need for a local fire station in the community.
“I remember coming here the very day the market was on fire and witnessing the devastation. Everything was destroyed. It struck us then that we must widen our footprint—ensure every community, including Charity, has quicker access to emergency support,” Minister Benn recalled.
He emphasised that national development cannot happen without security, which goes beyond policing to include the fire and prison services, the Guyana Defence Force, and other key institutions.
The Home Affairs Minister stated that the newly commissioned fire station is one of many capital investments being made by the Government to improve infrastructure and services across the country. He reaffirmed that the Government’s use of oil revenues is geared toward bettering the lives of all Guyanese, particularly the youth and future generations.

“Our focus, our vision, our efforts – whether in energy, education, or infrastructure – are all directed at improving the state of our people. Security is the foundation. Without it, there can be no real development… We have spent 62 times more than our predecessors on critical infrastructure to ensure that the people of Guyana are protected and prepared,” the Minister stated.
He also spoke of the broader roles played by the Guyana Fire Service and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), noting their tireless work rescuing people trapped in vehicles, responding to structural fires, and even delivering babies.
He revealed that more fire trucks, ambulances, and even a fireboat are expected to be added to the national fleet, along with a new maintenance and management system to account for all emergency equipment and ensure readiness.
He called for more enforcement and public education and urged communities to support fire prevention efforts, including installing basic fire alarms and fireballs and keeping sand buckets in commercial spaces.
Reflecting on the Mahdia tragedy that claimed the lives of 22 girls, Minister Benn said fire prevention is not optional but a national responsibility.
“This is not what we want for our children or our country. That pain still lingers. That’s why awareness, education, and inspection are so critical,” he stressed.
Minister Benn also called on men in society to lead by example, to model respectful and responsible behaviour for the youth, and to work collectively to foster unity and national pride.
He reiterated the PPP/C Government’s commitment to keeping its promises, reminding the public that every commissioned facility, whether a road, school, or fire station, reflects a promise fulfilled.
“We are promise-keepers… We will keep our promises not for ourselves, but for our young people, for the generations to come, and for a stronger, united, and sovereign Guyana,” he declared.
Additionally, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Andre Ally, highlighted the Government’s strong commitment to improving fire and emergency services on the Essequibo Coast.
He said the new Charity Fire Station is a major addition to the region, which previously had only one station at Anna Regina. Another station is also being developed, which will triple the fire coverage in the area.
Ally noted that over $1.5 billion has been invested in the security sector in Region Two over the past five years, compared to just $25 million between 2015 and 2020. This major increase shows the Government’s focus on upgrading infrastructure and improving public safety.
He added that the fire department has received some of the highest investments in equipment, vehicles, and facilities. Fire officers were encouraged to take care of the new resources and continue serving the region with professionalism and dedication.
Regional Chairperson of Region Two, Vilma De Silva, expressed gratitude to the Government of Guyana for the establishment of the Charity Fire Station, noting that it will greatly enhance the ability to respond swiftly to fires in Charity and surrounding cossssmmunities along the Essequibo Coast.
Also attending the commissioning ceremony were Deputy Commander of Operations Errol Watts, Commander of Region Two Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran, Division Officer (Ag) Suresh Persaud, engineers, and other regional officials.