A GINA release, August 18, 2003

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has achieved measurable success over the past six months.

Some of their successes came from the recruitment of more firemen, holding training seminars to sensitize persons on fire prevention and the establishment of a spanking new fire station. After three and a half months of training, a batch of 45 recruits, 43 males and two females, displayed their skills on the tarmac of the National Park before Fire officials and relatives on April 24.

Practical training was done in the National Park and included pump drills, ladder drills, rescue drills and First Aid. In the classroom, which was housed at Alberttown Fire Station, the recruits were taught the duties, responsibilities and qualities of a fireman, and how to battle the various types of fire they will encounter, among others. The graduands will be posted at fire stations including New Amsterdam, Timehri, Ogle, Corriverton, Anna Regina and Central Headquarters.

“They have worked really hard and have come a long way,” said Ms. Desiree De Santos, Training Officer attached to the Alberttown Fire station. The best graduating student was Owen Sampson, while first runner-up was Shellon Philadelphia. There are two training sessions a year for firefighters.
Earlier this year, officials from the (GFS) met with petrol dealers to discuss safety procedures and emergency operations. The meeting was initiated after several attacks and attempted torching of at least two gas stations, during which pump attendants were robbed.

The GFS realized that immediate steps were needed to curb what could have become a disaster. At the meeting petrol dealers endorsed the meeting’s decision to have their pump attendants trained. At the conclusion of that meeting, it was decided that petrol dealers will have staff trained in basic fire-equipment handling and fire prevention-skills during which live fuel fires will be used.
A training programme was subsequently held for pump attendants, who were exposed to safety and fire-fighting measures.

The Fire Station at Anna Regina in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) is now nearly completed. An estimated $24M is budgeted for the completion of the building, and according to the Fire Chief, training is in progress for firemen to improve their techniques in fire fighting and fire prevention.

He noted that several ranks from the GFS Head Office (located in 11A Water Street) will be travelling to Anna Regina to assist the firemen. Fuldharri Singh Contracting Services was hired to execute the project which commenced February last and is expected to be completed in another two weeks.The Fire Chief said that one of the new fire tenders that was purchased from ANGLOCO, a UK-based firm, will be based at the station. This tender will benefit the new fire station, since it has better fire-fighting mechanisms.
Training is very important to the GFS and towards this end, Divisional Officer Lawrence David who is attached to the Guyana Fire Service Headquarters, departed on June 27 for a three and a half month scholarship in Japan.

According to Washington, David was selected because both the Fire Chief and the Deputy Fire Chief will be retiring next January. "This is just the beginning of the taking-over exercise and we have to start preparing him for the Fire Chief position," disclosed Washington.

The scholarship is funded by the Government of Japan. David will attend the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The training programme is offered to developing countries in various fields, such as fire-fighting, to assist professionals to enhance their skills.
Some courses that from which David will benefit include Fire Service Law, Fire Prevention System and Fire and Disaster.

"I am grateful to be granted this opportunity which will definitely boost my career especially with the responsibility showered on me," said David.
However, the GFS has lost a valuable member. Deputy Fire Chief Vibert Williams has left a legacy of experience and dedication to the Guyana Fire Service spreading a period of over 35 years. In a simple ceremony at the Guyana Fire Service headquarters, officials gathered to bid farewell to 54-year-old Williams.

Williams has spent most of his working life in the GFS and he noted that it would be a challenge for him to face the future now that he is retiring.
“I am grateful to the Fire Service and my wife for supporting me through thick and thin,” disclosed Williams.

When asked about a special achievement during his career, Williams noted that there are two, one being a founder-member of the Caribbean Association of Firefighters, and the other, a national award, the Discipline Services Medal, he received for his outstanding service beyond the call of duty.
Williams began his career on October 3, 1967 and spent one year prior to his firefighting career as a teacher of the Progressive and Preparatory Institute teaching English language and Literature.
Washington expressed satisfaction of the achievements for the first half of the year. He noted that due to the lectures on fire prevention, there has been a decrease in fires.
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