The Construction of the new modernized Guyana Fire Service Headquarters at Homestretch Avenue is moving apace at 65 per cent completion. This was reported to the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas as she conducted her capital site inspection earlier today (September 22nd, 2022).
This project is well ahead of schedule and is projected to be completed early next year. Upon completion, the current Guyana Fire Services Headquarters will be relocated to this new central location. The relocation will significantly improve the response time of the Guyana Fire Service since the current location at the Stabroek Market area is heavily congested with vendors, vehicles and pedestrians. The new Headquarters will accommodate eight (Fire tenders and six (6) Emergency Medical Service (EMS) ambulances.
A Fire Officers’ Living Quarters will also be built at this location.
Ms. Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas also inspected the works being done at the Ogle Fire Station and was brought up to date on the progression of the project.
Works to reconstruct a new Fire Station at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle commenced in February 2022 at an estimated cost of over 76 million dollars. The new Fire Station will accommodate two (2) fire tenders and one (1) Emergency Medical Service ambulance.
The headquarter will house a control room, office space for senior officers and administrative staff, a gym and a conference room. And, under the auspices of the Ministry of Home Affairs will be equipped in accordance with the standards and recommendation practice contained in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 14 Aerodromes and ICAO Doc 9137 Airport service manual to provide Rescue and Firefighting Services at the Eugene. F Correia International Airport, Ogle, same as the one currently in operation.
Additionally, the Permanent Secretary also visited the Juvenile Holding Centre where she was shown the area earmarked for the construction a storage bond.
Ms. Thomas was also given a walkthrough of the Holding Center by the Director of the Juvenile Justice Department, Mrs. Joan Ann Edghill-Stuart, and the Admin staff who briefed her on the daily operations of the facility and discussed ways of strengthening the structure of the centre.
During her visit, she checked in on the children’s welfare. She visited them in their classroom where they were engaged in a training programme in Literacy offered by the Department.
There, she encouraged them to be focused and take advantage of all the opportunities being offered to them. “Strive to be better young men and women and use what is being taught here to you as a stepping stone to further your studies and do greater things when you leave this facility.”
She discussed with them some of the challenges being faced and listened to their suggestions on how to make their stay more comfortable. They indicated the need for more technical training and sporting activities.