Minister Benn and other officials taking the salute
The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) hosted a parade in observance of its 67th Anniversary and of Fire Prevention Month 2024 on Saturday, October 12, and some 120 ranks drawn from fire stations across the country participated.
The parade was led by Divisional Officer (ag) Suresh Persaud, with Assistant Divisional Officer (ag) Patrick Daniels serving as his second-in-command.
The grey-and-black contingent was commanded by Station Officer Travis Grannum, with the female contingent, led by Sub-Officer Franka Thomas, following.
The Indigenous contingent was headed by Station Officer Relton Johnson, with the Marine contingent led by Sub-Officer Steve Manniram following.
The Emergency Medical Services contingent was led by Station Officer Jermaine Fraser, while the fire kit contingent was led by Station Officer Dwayne Meredith. The sports contingent led by Cadet Officer Desmond Kursattie followed, along with appliances of the GFS, including the hydraulic platform, water tenders, ambulances, and support vehicles.
The parade assembled on High Street, between Hadfield and Princes Streets, from whence it moved down Hadfield Street and turned left onto Sendall Place, then left again onto Brickdam, passing the Home Affairs Ministry where subject Minister Robeson Benn, Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dwayne Scotland, and Divisional Officer Haimchandra Persaud received the ‘Eyes Right’ salute.
Ranks during the parade on Saturday
After a 180-degree turn, the parade proceeded down Brickdam, took a left onto Vlissengen Road, then a right onto Homestretch Avenue, and concluded at the Fire Service Headquarters there.
In brief remarks, Minister Benn congratulated the Guyana Fire Service on its anniversary, and commended the ranks for an excellent parade.
He acknowledged the challenging circumstances under which the Fire Service operates, referencing periodic surges in fires on the coastland as well as fires in hinterland regions, where there are limited resources.
Minister Benn has urged business and home owners to equip their properties with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and buckets of sand; or to ensure water is readily available in case of a fire.
Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham reflected on the 67-year history of the GFS, and expressed gratitude to those who had laid the foundation for what the organization has become today. He also highlighted that the Fire Service is celebrating 50 years of fire prevention efforts, and that ranks are actively participating in activities to raise awareness of, and prevent, fires.
He renewed his appeal to the public to ensure their premises are properly equipped to prevent fires, and reiterated his advice that clear and accessible exits must be maintained for evacuation in case of a fire.
