A $144 million fire station was today commissioned in Charity, Essequibo Coast, in a bid to enhance emergency preparedness and response in the region.
The two-storey facility, built by Gavko Construction and Supplies Inc., was officially opened by Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, alongside Permanent Secretary Andre Ally. Residents turned out in numbers for the ceremony, many of whom welcomed the development following a recent blaze at the Charity Market that underscored the town’s lack of emergency coverage.
“We are very happy for this fire station. It means help will come faster in an emergency,” one resident said.
The new station includes living quarters, a training room, gym, maintenance area, kitchen, and a conference room. Home Affairs Ministry Engineer Parmesh Parasotham said the building conforms to a new national standard. Six similar stations are under construction as part of a wider plan to roll out ten new facilities countrywide.
“This station was built to ensure faster response times, protect assets, and save lives,” Minister Benn said at the opening. “Every fire that damages a home or business is a loss for the entire nation.”
The initiative forms part of broader investments in Region Two, which have totalled over $1.5 billion over the past five years, according to Permanent Secretary Ally. The Charity station joins an operational facility in Anna Regina and another under construction at Onderneeming.
Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva welcomed the move, calling it “long overdue” amid steady development in the area. “This is about protecting our people and helping our region grow safely,” she said.
The fire service in Region Two has also been bolstered with three new fire trucks, and the ministry has committed to providing additional assets including fire boats and water bowsers.
Minister Benn urged citizens to play their part in preventing fires, calling on households to install alarms and extinguishers and refrain from arson. He also reminded fire officers of their duty to engage in public education and prevention.
