Leonora Fire Station commissioned to strengthen Region 3 emergency response

The Government of Guyana on Saturday officially commissioned the newly reconstructed Leonora Fire Station, a critical move aimed at boosting emergency response capabilities across Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).
The facility, which was rebuilt at a cost of $159,270,255, was declared open during a ceremony led by Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn. He was joined by Permanent Secretary Andre Ally, Divisional Officer (Operations) Andrew Holder, Acting Station Officers Delbert Pitt and Jermine Fraser, Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ Errol Watts, Regional Commander #3 Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Siwnarine, and Deputy Commander Senior Superintendent Kevin Das.
Senior and junior firefighters, EMT officers, and other special invitees were also present.

Strategically located, the Leonora Fire Station will serve communities stretching from Parika to Vreed-en-Hoop, significantly improving the Guyana Fire Service’s (GFS) ability to respond to fires, medical emergencies, and natural disasters.
Minister Benn, in his remarks, said the commissioning forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s public safety infrastructure and ensure a well-coordinated, well-equipped emergency response system is in place.
The facility is part of a broader expansion plan spearheaded by the Ministry of Home Affairs. A new fire station is currently under construction in Parika, and the Wales Fire Station on the West Bank of Demerara is also expected to be commissioned soon. These, along with the La Grange facility, will serve as supplementary support units for the region.
Built to meet modern standards, the Leonora Fire Station includes several administrative, operational, and residential facilities designed to enhance both emergency service delivery and personnel welfare.

The station houses dedicated offices for key roles, including the sub-officer, finance officer, station officer, officer-in-charge, administrator, and fire prevention officer. It also features a control room and an information technology (IT) room to support real-time surveillance, incident tracking, and rapid mobilisation.
Personnel readiness has also been prioritised. A training room will facilitate ongoing education and simulations, while a fully equipped gym will help ensure firefighters remain physically prepared for duty. Additional facilities include a kitchen, canteen, and laundry room, which provide comfort and self-sufficiency for staff during shifts.
Comfortable accommodations are also available with both male and female barracks, as well as senior officers’ quarters. The station also includes an EMS Office to ensure smooth integration of emergency medical services into its daily operations.
The opening of the Leonora Fire Station follows closely on the heels of other key infrastructure upgrades in Region Three, including the commissioning of the Vreed-en-Hoop and Den Amstel Police Stations and the Region Three Command Centre.