Zero fire deaths recorded in Berbice to date in 2025

– as Fire Service honors outstanding ranks at annual awards ceremony

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) in Berbice has recorded zero fire-related deaths for 2025, a significant achievement highlighted during an awards ceremony recognising the service and dedication of firefighters across the county.
The announcement was made by Divisional Fire Officer (DFO) Clive McDonald, who acknowledged that while the division faced numerous challenges during the year, improved fire prevention messaging, professionalism among ranks and stronger public cooperation contributed to the life-saving outcome.
According to McDonald, the Berbice division responded to 418 fire and emergency calls for the year. Of that number, 227 incidents involved grass and rubbish fires, largely during a brief dry-spell period. Eighty-two fires involved buildings and houses, while the remaining incidents included vehicles, electrical poles and other structures.
He noted that deliberate and malicious fires topped the list of known causes, accounting for 25 and 41 cases, respectively. As a result of fire incidents, 118 persons were left homeless, while two persons sustained injuries.
Importantly, McDonald clarified that no lives were lost to fire in Berbice for 2025, a marked improvement from the previous year when six fire-related deaths were recorded. He credited ongoing public education and fire-prevention outreach for the positive outcome.
Beyond fire response, McDonald said the division also handled a heavy emergency medical workload. In Region Six (East Berbice–Corentyne), the Fire Service responded to 435 ambulance calls, involving 350 adults, nine children and 75 persons of unknown age. The highest volume of calls occurred between midday and early evening hours.
He added that Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) recorded 257 ambulance calls, including adults, children and persons of unknown age, reflecting the growing demand for emergency medical services.
In strengthening prevention efforts, the division issued 1812 fire safety certificates, inspected 529 government and private buildings, hosted five fire safety camps reaching 245 children, and distributed over 300 fire extinguishers, primarily to government agencies.

24 honoured for 2025 performance
During the ceremony, 24 firefighters from Berbice’s four fire stations, Onverwagt, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall Town and Corriverton, were honoured for their dedication, discipline and professionalism throughout the year.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the Best Fireman Award to Lead Fireman Owen Adolph of the New Amsterdam Fire Station, who was recognised for his leadership, consistency and commitment to duty.
McDonald praised the ranks for what he described as their ability to respond to fires and emergencies under exhausting conditions, while upholding the core principles of firefighting: strength, endurance and task completion.
At the awards ceremony, 24 firefighters from Berbice’s four fire stations – Onverwagt, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall Town, and Corriverton – were honoured for their service.
The Best Fireman Award went to Lead Fireman Owen Adolph of the New Amsterdam Fire Station, recognised for his leadership, consistency, and commitment to duty.
The full list of awardees are ambulance driver Raymon Porter (NA), EMT Desshon Arrindell (Onverwagt), EMT Valencia De Younge (NA), Thelroy Wilson (Onverwagt), Damieon Griffith (Rose Hall), and FM. Devon Scott Corriverton, FM Ernest Williams-NA, LFW Nekem Austin-NA, and LFM Owen Adolph-NA.
Meanwhile, certificates of appreciation were presented to the following: Gillard Hope, Trelon Archibald, Rihauana Peters, Mark Kendell, Micheal Blair, Alwin McDonald, Owen Williams, Samuel Raghunath, Adrian Peters, Alesha Ross, Kunttie Persaud, Marvin Lacon, Aron Jamolodeen, Bernardine Mayer, and Joyann Haney.
Top firefighter Adolph is encouraging persons to join the service.
“To be a part of our team at the firefighting service. It is a service that builds you, and it helps you to elevate yourself in life, your standards and what you want to do in life,” he said while thanking his colleagues.
“Thank you for helping me, thank you for working with me. It is never an easy role when working sometimes because of the different fire calls and so on.”
Nevertheless, McDonald said looking ahead, the division will continue to operate under three key pillars: training, commitment and discipline, while expressing hope for additional fire stations and personnel in Berbice in the future.
He also reaffirmed the Fire Service’s commitment to serving the people of Regions Five and Six, reminding ranks that public service remains at the heart of their profession.