By Delicia Janneire | December 4, 2024
The Guyana Fire Service is making significant strides in its operations, thanks to continued government investments in the emergency services sector.
To further enhance firefighting efforts, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn revealed that training exchanges with other Caribbean countries are being considered.
At the opening of the Caribbean Association of Firefighters (CAFF) conference on Monday, Minister Benn highlighted that the Guyana Fire Service is transitioning to the newly restructured Guyana Fire and Rescue Service.
This change includes the integration of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to improve rescue operations and provide essential medical care at the scene of emergencies.
The improved effectiveness of the fire service can be attributed to the newly acquired equipment and vehicles, which have contributed to faster response times.
Minister Benn suggested that the Caribbean Fire Conference could serve as an ideal platform for exchanging firefighting best practices across the region.
He proposed sending a few firefighters to other Caribbean territories, such as Trinidad, for hands-on training, while inviting firefighters from other countries to visit Guyana and learn from local operations.
Additionally, the Minister stressed the importance of educating the public about fire safety and reducing the number of fires caused by carelessness.
He also noted the need for collaboration with law enforcement to tackle malicious reports and arson, emphasizing that offenders must face legal consequences to prevent the continuation of such dangerous behavior.
Minister Benn encouraged further discussions among the region’s firefighting professionals to collectively improve responses to fires across the Caribbean.