Call for partnership between fire service, private sector issued by Min Benn

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, has called on the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) to work
together with the business community to help reduce the many incidences of fires.
Benn stressed that a bond between the two could foster an aggressive approach that would see
regular inspections being conducted across the country. While addressing the Fire Advisory
Board’s outreach held at the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Training Centre, on Friday, the Minister
noted that everyone must work together in this regard. “When the fires come, they are no respect
of race, religion, ethnicity or anything. Everybody is affected… so we want to improve further
and we want to create move forward on all fronts to have a better and safer environment in
Guyana, not only for the way we live and relate to each other, but to develop the country to make
life better for each and every one,” Benn explained
He pointed out that the ministry reported a significant reduction in fire accidents in 2021. Benn
however urged the GFS to boost its awareness programmes, to prevent loss of lives and property.
He also encouraged citizens to play a more pivotal role. “We expect as we go through now,
where we are a transition to a new energised fire service, that the engagement, the interest even
in respect of this serious national challenge is much more improved,” Benn stressed.
The home affairs minister noted that the fire service and other disciplined services will be
undergoing major reforms.
Meanwhile, Benn spoke about the need for the fire service to focus on the offshore and onshore
aspects of the country’s oil and gas industry. “The oil and gas development that is upon us and
the fact that for that development offshore, we have to have highly skilled professional fire
service persons present, not only on the vessels offshore, but also in relation to the development
onshore,” he revealed.