The operations of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) were boosted yesterday with the addition of four fire tenders to its fleet at a cost of more than $200 million.
Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn handed over the keys to the four fire tenders to Fire Chief Kalamadeen Edoo following the opening ceremony of the GFS Senior Officers conference.
The two-day conference is being held under the theme “Understanding the challenges and working towards improving fire and rescue services”.
The four tenders, comprising two new ones and two reconditioned ones, have a total cost of $202,900,000.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, held at the Guyana Police Force Officers Training Centre, on Camp Street, Edoo said that over the next two days, the focus will be placed on the GFS’ challenges with a view to identifying the gaps and addressing weaknesses in order to enhance the services provided to the public.
In order to fulfill its mandate, Edoo said that the agency has recognised the need for a more robust and timely response.
“…You can well appreciate the task that is ours and the importance of our response in order to minimise the loss of lives, property and personal effects as well to ensure that the citizens of Guyana are effectively rescued and quickly transported to treatment centres to guarantee their wellbeing,” he said.
According to Edoo, most of the challenges exist at the administrative level in the human resource sector, infrastructure and provision of services.
To overcome them, Edoo explained that the GFS has designed a ten-point plan which will see the renovation and modernization of several of its buildings, the implementation of new departments, and training opportunities to better equip its officers.
“…The reality is that there are challenges of varying degrees which impede on our ability to execute some tasks efficiently and effectively,” Edoo said.
“We want the GFS to function as a cohesive unit, discharging its duties expeditiously and as a fire and rescue service,” he added.
Among the plans for improvement are the modernisation and renovation of the existing fire stations.
“If you work in an environment that is not conducive, it untimely affects your performance. Hence, it is our intention to provide an enabling environment at all locations that will support the growth of the organisation as well as the country development plan,” Edoo stated.
A sum of $1.9 billion was allocated to the GFS in the 2021 national budget. The funds have been earmarked for the relocation of the Central Fire Station from the congested Stabroek Market area and the construction of a new fire station at Eccles, East Bank Demerara.
In addition to these interventions, Edoo said that expanded services in Essequibo, Leguan and Wakenaaam are also being considered and the intention is to operationalise the fire stations in Mahdia, Lethem and Mabaruma.
“All of these expansion efforts are geared to improve the infrastructural aspect of the GFS, so that it becomes better in providing timely prevention, protection and service as well as appropriate response to other emergencies,” he stated.
With the emerging oil and gas sector, Edoo further explained that an influx of businesses is expected and, therefore, the GFS has recognised the need for an increase in the inspection of buildings countrywide.
Other plans include the implementation of a Fire Safety building code and the establishment of a legal department, a public relations department and an Occupational, Safety and Health Department.
“…In recent times, especially with the onset of the pandemic, the existence of an Occupational, Safety and Health Department has proven to be important. Workers’ safety and health guidelines are critical and must be constantly monitored and updated to ensure safety practices are enforced and that adherence to these best practices are being met,” Edoo explained.
Edoo also emphasised that the training of officers will be placed on the front burner.
He said that the GFS plans to conduct a needs assessment and to identify training opportunities so that staff can be updated on current techniques, including fire suppression best practices and technology so as to ensure the sustainability of the organisation and effective management of services.
“Continued sustainability must be our goal. So our training opportunities will be placed on the front burner,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn during his brief remarks said that there is a need for a “renewed” spirit in the services provided.
“Our service is professional and we need to set aside some of the negative issues which impede in us providing the requisite service which is needed,” he added.
Benn stressed the importance of fire hydrants in all areas across the country, especially in Central Georgetown.
In order to reduce losses, he said that there is a need for more requests to be made for commercial buildings to be equipped with fire sprinkler systems and an increase in the presence of fire extinguishers and electronic alarms at homes.
Benn further stated that the GFS also needs to provide an environment that will see more women equally involved in the roles and functions of the agency.
“We want them on the job, every sphere of activity and I hope one day we will have a woman Fire Chief and that she would have come through a system which would have respected her and allowed her to break through,” he said.
