Gajraj pledges support for training of fire fighters
Stabroek News
June 21, 2002

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The Annual Officers' Conference of the Guyana Fire Service opened yesterday with Minister of Home Affairs, Ronald Gajraj pledging government's support to have ranks trained both locally and overseas.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, 'Fostering Greater Fire Protection for the Nation,' Gajraj told the fire officers that in order to achieve such an objective it was time for them to create a partnership between the GFS and the community so that fire disaster preparedness was recognised as a joint responsibility. The minister said that last year while addressing the fire officers he identified a number of areas that required attention with a view to developing a fire service that was capable of meeting the challenges of a developing country. He said it was clear then that the GFS had to be modernised which meant that it was necessary to have clear aims and objectives with reasonable targets to be achieved through a high standard of service.

Gajraj argued that the fire service must progressively acquire adequate human and material resources in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its ranks.

"In the years ahead I would like to see a fire service which is professional, much better equipped, properly staffed and highly skilled. This would enable us to translate good intentions into prompt actions on the ground, resulting in substantial benefits to the community and by extension the economy of the country," Gajraj said.

The minister observed that currently there were many weaknesses within the GFS, but commended the fire officers for being able to challenge those weaknesses and improve their management skills.

Gajraj added that increasingly the main role of the fire service is changing in that the emphasis is now on preventing fires rather than fighting fires. He said quietly teaching a child in a classroom the danger of playing with matches or checking that the classroom is safe for the child to be in, would foster greater fire protection for the nation.

"My ministry and the government will continue to support the GFS in its effort to have ranks trained both locally and overseas, in particular the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. I wish the 37 young men and women from various parts of our country who are undergoing basic recruit training at the newly refurbished Alberttown Fire Station every success in their endeavour."

Gajraj commended the Chief Fire Officer, Prince Dickenson and his deputy and the senior and middle management personnel of the fire service for their untiring dedication to the GFS. He announced that further support will be afforded to the GFS to upgrade its fire-fighting capabilities through the provision of two water/foam tenders and one water tender. These are expected later this year. Gajraj called on the officers to continue to lend support to the community of Linden and urged that efforts must be made to establish a fire service in Essequibo at Anna Regina. The conference will conclude today.