Fire Service interested in international training this year – Wickham

The Guyana Fire Service is making training its top priority in 2026 to ensure firefighters are fully prepared to meet the country’s growing urban challenges, Fire Chief, Gregory Wickham said.

During an interview with the News Room, Wickham said the Fire Service has exhausted local training prompting a shift to regional and international courses to equip personnel with globally recognised skills.

“We have exhausted generally all local training, so we are moving ahead with programs of international standard.

“Our men and women need to be well prepared and well trained to deal with any eventuality,” Wickham told the News Room on Friday.

The push, Wickham said, comes as the country is experiencing a surge in housing developments and the construction of high-rise buildings.

To address these challenges, the Fire Service will collaborate with regional and international agencies to provide advanced training tailored to modern urban risks.

Specialised training in firefighting within confined spaces will also be a key focus, ensuring staff can effectively respond to complex incidents and provide critical support during emergencies.

“This approach ensures our personnel are equipped to handle any scenario…and reinforces our commitment to public safety amid Guyana’s evolving urban landscape,” Wickham said.