Middle management engaged in response to ‘challenging circumstances’ in Fire Service

– Benn challenges GFS to ‘get in line’ with Guyana’s transformational agenda

Recognizing that there have been setbacks in the performance of its middle management, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has embarked on efforts to better synchronize and enhance the institution’s ability to respond to fires, emergencies, and rescue events.
The Guyana Fire Service hosted its first sub-officers conference on Thursday at the new Homestretch Avenue Headquarters, during which Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham underscored that, due to the non-performance of the middle management, the intention is to bridge the pillars between senior and junior supervisory arms.

“Both levels are very important. And so, for us to have continuity and to have capacity building for self-development, (which) is planned by the organization, it is important that you have the knowledge and the requisite skills imparted to you, so that you’re able to lead those who are below you,” Wickham underscored.
According to him, there are some officers who stand at the centre of the organization with that great role and responsibility to ensure that younger firefighters are acquainted with the plans and policies of the institution.
Wickham also highlighted that Government has been generous in its budgetary allocations for the entity, and as such, he urged officers to capitalize and take advantage of opportunities when they arise.
“I want to challenge all of you today. Make good use of the opportunity given to you,” the Chief Fire Officer outlined.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn re-emphasized that the country is at one of the most propitious times in its development. While physical infrastructure and mobile assets are being bolstered, the Fire Service is still facing “challenging circumstances”, he said.
“Even while we contemplate having more and more of those mobile assets, particularly the specialized ones, we are indeed in particularly challenging circumstances,” Benn declared.
The GFS, he shared, must ‘get in line’ with what is happening in the country in terms of development.
“The most important thing is leadership: initiative, and the quality of delivery of that service when we’re called into action. How well are we prepared? Are our pumps working? Do we have all the proper disposal of assets in relation to getting the job done efficiently? How do we respond to complaints of arriving late?” he questioned.
At this time, he said, the Fire Service should be fit for purpose. Benn insisted on the need for firefighters to exercise caution and wear protective equipment and breathing apparatus.
“We have to pay attention to the quality, quantity, and type of protective equipment for firefighters. We must insist that they wear it. I keep talking about the question of breathing apparatus and proper usage and care of the firefighting clothing,” Minister Benn said.
Officers have been encouraged to follow all procedures and rules in keeping with good firefighting practice, and to exude the required discipline.
“If we cannot protect a life in proper engagement as a firefighter or first responder, then we’re not doing anything; we won’t be doing enough; we aren’t at the basic optimum level of service that the public expects,” Benn said.
This year has seen completion of the $648 million GFS Headquarters at Homestretch Avenue. In January, several new vehicles and bicycles to the tune of $88.8 million, all of which were purchased by the Government of Guyana, were handed over to the organization. Later in June, more than $273 million in advanced firefighting equipment from Angloco, a British firefighting and rescue vehicles manufacturing company, was received.