The Guyana Fire Service Thursday conducted a March Past Parade in celebration of our 66th Anniversary and Fire Prevention Month 2023.
The parade, which consisted of ninety (90) ranks from fire stations across the country, was led by Divisional Officer (AG) Suresh Persaud and his second-in-command, Station Officer Patrick Daniels.
The gray and black contingent was led by Station Officer Javid Mohamed, followed by the female contingent, which was led by Station Officer (AG) Dianne Gill.
The Emergency Medical Services contingent was led by Station Officer Azumah Roberts; the fire kit contingent was led by Station Officer Dwayne Meredith; and the sports contingent was led by Cadet Officer Graham Thomas, followed by appliances of the GFS, including the hydraulic platform, water tenders, ambulances, and support vehicles.
The assembly point of the parade was the Square of the Revolution, following which ranks marched down Brickdam Street past the Ministry of Home Affairs, where the Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham, and Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Dwayne Scotland, received the ‘Eyes Right Salute’.
The parade continued to the Central Fire Station, where it was concluded.
During brief remarks, Minister Benn emphasized the need for a re-evaluation of the Guyana Fire Service, stating that continuous improvement is necessary.
He emphasized the ongoing efforts to retool the service, including building new stations and expanding the service. However, he also highlighted the challenges faced in fire prevention, including the Mahdia fire and maliciously set fires.
He stressed the need to adapt to new challenges and changes in the economy, which require greater engagement and understanding in fire prevention.
Meanwhile, Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham expressed the importance of the Guyana Fire Service’s readiness to respond to emergencies and the strength of its Emergency Medical Technicians.
He highlighted the challenges faced by firefighters, including the need to deal with grass fires due to climate change, and advised the public to take extreme caution when lighting fires in open spaces and supervise waste disposal.
Chief Wickham also stressed the need for maintaining water sources, drains, and reservoirs for firefighting purposes. He highlighted the challenges faced by firefighters due to terrain and remote areas, but assured that the Fire Service would respond and provide the necessary service required.
The Guyana Fire Service would like to thank the Guyana Police Force Band, which accompanied us and provided music for the parade.
