Press Release
April 24, 2023
The Guyana Fire Service commenced its Annual Officers’ Conference today under the theme “Enhancing and modernizing the Guyana Fire Service through training, re-tooling, and public education.”
The conference saw presentations from senior officers of the Guyana Fire Service and was attended by the Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Robeson Benn, Chief of Staff GDF, Godfrey Bess, Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliott, Head of CANU, James Singh, Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham, senior officers of the Guyana Service, and other special invitees.
During his opening remarks, CFO Wickham highlighted that, in keeping with the theme, the administration has placed a heavy emphasis on training.
He mentioned that over 200 ranks have recently received training in various areas, including middle management, heavy duty training, and defensive driving courses, to name a few.
The CFO further noted that there is a great need for public education, which the Fire Service is working assiduously to satisfy.
He said the deliberations coming out of the two-day conference are expected to provide the administration with a guide towards achieving the ten-point improvement plan, which will undoubtedly ensure that the Guyana Fire Service is enhanced and strategically placed in a position where it can protect the nation against all loss and destruction by fire.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Hon. Robeson Benn stated during brief remarks that it is necessary to recognize the current gaps within the service in order to remedy them.
Minister Benn also emphasized the expansion of the service in order to address the national challenge of protecting against fire, loss of life, destruction, and injuries related to fire.
In closing, he encouraged the administration to utilize its resources in the most effective way possible and to be prepared for the vast developments in infrastructure and the overall country as the oil and gas sector continues to flourish.
The conference will continue tomorrow with further presentations and a team-building workshop for the officers.