Dear Editor,
I read with interest the letter by Lloyd Davidson on the issue of the restoration of fire hydrants (‘Has the private sector tried to persuade the authorities…’ SN, May 11).
For the record I was appointed Chairperson of a committee shortly after the current Home Affairs Minister took office. I represented the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association, and Mr Clinton Urling was a member of the committee representing the Chamber of Commerce. We are not in ivory towers, and are aware of the seriousness of the situation.
An earlier report tendered to the previous minister by some members of the private sector showed that they were able to order parts for some of the fire hydrants to be restored to working condition. However, the parts supplied were of the wrong specifications and were not used. During my office as Chair of the new committee, I was told that we were advisors to the Minister for fire prevention. One of my suggestions was to have a survey done for the existing fire hydrants and the requirements in relation to today’s building expansion in those areas compared to when these hydrants were first commissioned. This analysis showed that there were too few hydrants and an inadequate source of water available even if they were rehabilitated; however, in addition to this fact we were advised that some were still functional. The members of the private sector were then approached to adopt one or more near to their homes and businesses and to maintain these at their own expense. There was support for this from several members who expressed interest in contributing immediately.
Regarding the hydrants with a limited water supply, one expert and an experienced fire-fighter on our board proposed that we build underground reservoirs to service these with water from the river. In addition to this my committee recommended that we look at fire prevention by educating new and old householders in the use of fire extinguishers, and were willing to approach insurance companies and building contractors to donate some of this equipment to clients, particularly new home owners. There were other queries about the different types of fires and the equipment required for these, like foam instead of water, etc. These were directed to the Chief Fire Officer for advice on how to proceed in finding a solution to the current problems of fire-fighting in Guyana. My committee had representatives from several organizations who showed concern and were capable of improving this service with their dedication to this purpose.
Sadly, I resigned after I was advised by the Permanent Secretary that I had ventured outside the remit of my area which I felt was to advise the Minister, although clearly it was not; our main function was to raise funds for the fire service rather than get involved in the business of fire-fighting. A later discussion with the Minister convinced me that it was the Permanent Secretary and not the Minister who was in control, which I found as unacceptable then as I do now.
Perhaps the private sector could now provide someone else who could work within the requirements outlined by the Permanent Secretary! However, I was unwilling to compromise my own standards or waste any more of my valuable time.
Yours faithfully,
Doreen de Caires
