PRESS RELEASE

November 14, 2022

The Guyana Fire Service today commissioned the Onverwagt Fire Station and extended its Emergency Medical Services Programme to Region 5.

The station was completed at a cost of over G$28.7 million and will provide assistance to residents along the west coast of Berbice from east of the Abary Bridge to Rosignol/Ithaca.

The Emergency Medical Service was launched in 2016 and has since been serving residents of Georgetown and its outskirts, as far as Cove and John on the East Coast of Demerara and Brickery on the East Bank of Demerara.

One ambulance and Emergency Medical Technicians will be stationed at the Onverwagt Fire Station, where they will respond to calls of distress and assist persons living in Region 5.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Robeson Benn, expressed during his brief remarks that the country will continue to develop as we strive towards the One Guyana vision. This, he said, requires unity and working together. He highlighted the importance of the Emergency Medical Services and ensuring that EMTs are well trained to reduce harm, prevent injury, and save lives. Despite challenges such as prank calls and the malicious setting of fires, Minister Benn said the GFS continues to have the full support of the Ministry of Home Affairs as today’s historic event and similar initiatives will be put in place in order to better serve and protect citizens nationwide.

In his remarks, Chief Fire Officer (AG), Gregory Wickham emphasized that the GFS is a humanitarian service that continues to strive for development. He assured that both firefighters and EMTs attached to the Onverwagt Fire Station will provide the highest level of service to the people of Region 5 and, by extension, the entire country.

Citizens can dial our toll-free number 912 to contact the Guyana Fire Service-Emergency Medical Services.