By Josiah Williams
Senior fire officers from across Guyana gathered today at Eve Leary for the fifth annual Fire Officers Conference.
The event, officiated by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, aimed to address the evolving needs of the Guyana Fire Service in light of the country’s rapid economic growth and transformation.
During his address, Minister Benn underscored the imperative for the fire service to adapt to the changing landscape and better protect the nation’s assets.
He emphasized the substantial room for improvement within the service and urged officers to proactively seek enhancements.
Furthermore, Minister Benn reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in training, upgrading facilities, and providing state-of-the-art equipment for the fire service.
He emphasized the importance of officers taking proper care of the equipment entrusted to them.
In discussing recent trends, Minister Benn noted a concerning increase in the number of fires across Guyana in 2024, particularly attributing this rise to the El Niño season, which has led to an uptick in grass and bush fires.
The theme of this year’s conference, “Adapting to change, leading with innovation and resilience,” reflects the pressing need for the fire service to embrace change and innovate in the face of evolving challenges.
The conference also served as a platform to recognize outstanding performance among fire officers.
Minister Benn commended those who excelled in the recently concluded Drill Competition, highlighting their efficiency in carrying out various exercises.
In closing, the two-day conference provided valuable opportunities for fire officers to collaborate, exchange ideas, and strategize on how best to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Guyana Fire Service in safeguarding the nation’s interests.