Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and municipalities across the country have begun receiving fire tenders to enhance their ability to respond to emergencies. The first recipients of the equipment are NDCs in Regions Five and Six, following the training of staff members as auxiliary firefighters. These personnel will be responsible for containing fires in their early stages while awaiting the arrival of the Guyana Fire Service.
This initiative, spearheaded by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, is part of a wider effort to improve firefighting capabilities at the local level in 2025 and beyond.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Hon. Sonia Parag, explained that the newly acquired fire tenders which are designed like pickup trucks are both powerful and highly maneuverable. Their compact design enables them to navigate narrow streets in densely populated communities, allowing for faster response times.
She noted that 40 of these specialized vehicles have been procured for distribution across the country, with Region Six receiving six thus far. “We’ve seen an increase in fires across the country, enough for it to be a serious concern. As a government, we did not ignore this issue. Instead, we took action. His Excellency ensured that, through the Ministry of Finance and with support from the Ministry of Home Affairs, these vehicles were procured.”
Six of the fire tenders were handed over to NDCs in Region Six during a simple ceremony at the Regional Democratic Council compound yesterday, while two were distributed to NDCs in Region Five. Each vehicle, costing over $28 million, is equipped with a water tank, hoses, and a pump capable of drawing water from both the onboard tank and external sources when additional water is needed.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh, who attended the commissioning ceremony, described the initiative as one of the most significant investments in firefighting infrastructure in Guyana’s history.
“We have been able to invest in some of the most modern firefighting equipment in the Caribbean, including new fire tenders, brand-new water bowsers, and telescopic firefighting capabilities,” Dr. Singh stated.
He also urged the Guyana Fire Service to ensure that auxiliary firefighters receive continuous training so they can operate the fire tenders effectively and maintain them properly.
Also present at the commissioning ceremony in Region Six were Regional Chairman David Armogan, Regional Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain, and Regional Executive Officer Narindra Persaud.
