The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) recently launched a two-week fire-fighting training session for first responders, to equip them with the skills needed to combat the growing challenges they face in executing their duties.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee who attended the launching ceremony at the GFS Headquarters, said the exercise is an integral part of the administration’s developmental programmes and policies, according to the Government Information Agency (GINA).
The minister said in recent years the GFS has expanded its services across the country, moving from just a few stations in 1992 to 14 to date. He also lauded the training programme as a timely venture as “ranks within the GFS could do with such training as result of rising demands.” Rohee noted that the GFS has been challenged in carrying out its functions, resulting from developmental trends taking place across the country, especially within the growing housing development and the sophisticated infrastructure. “This government will always give its commitment for the training of ranks in the GFS, since their line of duty is to protect property and save lives,” he said.
Rohee also admitted that the efficiency of the GFS in discharging its functions at the scene of a fire has always been an issue in the public domain, since “a fire is an attraction for people and when a building is burning they come in their numbers to see how the fire fighters are tackling the fire.” He also said that too often positive things taking place in the GFS are overlooked by the larger society. Rohee said too that plans are in train to establish fire protection services in Guyana’s interior locations.
Meanwhile, Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle said that the GFS welcomes the administration’s move in supporting the training exercise and sees this as an important tool in helping members of the service overcome challenges during their line of duty.
British training instructor Kevin Adcock said that he was pleased to impart his knowledge to the GFS members during the programme. Ranks will receive training in several areas inclusive of fire behaviours, fire tactics, ventilation and road traffic accidents.
