The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has now been boosted with 74 new fire-fighters after they completed an 11-week training course at the Leonora Training Centre, West Coast Demerara.
The firemen and women who hail from Regions Two to Ten were charged to serve with distinction during a graduation ceremony yesterday, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn said he is optimistic that with the implementation of new strategies, and an enhanced firefighting capacity including the new firefighters, the GFS will be more responsive.
“We see an expanded, more efficient, more knowledgeable, and more responsive Guyana Fire Service. This is also perhaps the highest pass rate that we are seeing in the service. We will continue to identify by reviewing performance, engagement, and discipline, to find the best of you. Because the work that you do is of critical importance to our country,” Benn said, according to DPI.
The minister declared the intention to expand the GFS’s rescue and support services, especially since it is currently the sole entity handling such incidents.
The home affairs minister said that the fire officers must have a continued willingness to learn and to better themselves.
“Even here you see that we are building a new fire service and we are discussing the expansion of the service to Parika and Vreed-en-Hoop, because we have had challenges in those two areas as well. We are also talking about buying new fire assets,” the minister stated.
Chief Fire Officer (ag) Gregory Wickham, encouraged the men and women to display integrity, and respect and to always be disciplined, DPI said.
“You will be returning to your respective communities and districts to boost or strengthen firefighters who are there already. You are recruits filled with energy and enthusiasm, you should go out there and shine,” Wickham said.
During the graduation, the firefighters were also awarded prizes for best practical firefighter, and best drill students, among others. Ja’el Yarris won the overall title.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Akeem Fraser was recognized as the Runner-Up,
Una Motilall was acknowledged as the Most Improved Student, Leon Bizzeth was Awarded Best Drill Student and Wayne Mc Lennan won as the Best Practical Firefighter.
