$88.8M in equipment given to Fire Service to boost fire-fighting

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn on Wednesday handed over to the Guyana Fire Service several new vehicles and bicycles to the tune of $88.8 million, all of which was purchased by the Government of Guyana.
The vehicles include two excavators, three double-cab pickup vehicles, one Fortuner SUV, and one motorcycle. Five bicycles were also included in the purchase, and distribution of these would be made to each division.

The two excavators would remain in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) to assist in the planting of fire hydrants and to support firefighting efforts.
Of the three double-cab pickup vehicles, one each would be placed in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
The Fortuner SUV will be used to transport the Chief Fire Officer and other senior officers, while the motorcycle will be sent to Lethem in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
During brief remarks, Minister Benn said the donation represents a continuous improvement of the GFS. In a stern address to the ranks, the Minister charged them to take their positions seriously, and told officers that they should lead by example.
“(The Guyana) Fire (Service) has to deal with the outing of fires and the rescuing of people who are in difficulties… If you are the first set of people to run at the officer’s level, there will be no use for you. The posture must change”, he told the firefighters.
He also said the reason for the donation is that the Fire Service is usually challenged with clearing debris to advance into flames at fire scenes. As such, he said, he hopes that as of now, the GFS would be in a better position to overcome such challenges.
“We’ve had the large bond fire at Le Ressouvenir and you’ve had a couple others even in Georgetown, where the question of creating access was a problem. We tried to get some excavators from the neighbourhoods…this is to get to a position where you can advance into a situation where you can improve firefighting”, Minister Benn has said.
Fire Chief Gregory Wickham has said he is elated by the Government’s continuous support. He has also committed to using the vehicles in an efficient way to enhance firefighting efforts. (G9)