THE Guyana Fire Service (GFS) on Saturday last presented its Strategic Plan 2015-2019 at the Grand Coastal Hotel, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara.Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee in his address at the event said the GFS Strategic Plan has since been approved by Cabinet and it will serve as a guide for the GFS for a five-year period.
VISION FOR 2024
The document provides the blueprint for the realisation of the GFS’s vision for 2024. It sets out the strategic goals that will be pursued over the next five years and the objectives and initiatives that are intended to facilitate their achievement.
It also offers insights into the critical imperatives that are necessary to promote the successful execution of this first phase of strategy implementation.
Rohee added that the plan draws on experiences accumulated over the years and is the vision formulated to be workable.
He pointed out that the plan has the capacity to take the organisation forward and serves as a companion document associated with other branches of the Disciplined Services.
Rohee noted the Government is committed to modernisation of the security sector, which includes the GFS.
The Home Affairs Minister pointed out that modernisation cannot be viewed by the acquisition of buildings, vehicles and increase of ranks in the GPS but making available the resources and the thought process for change and ownership.
He explained that the GFS is tasked with the implementation of the plan and as part of that change they must embrace it with a civilian arm that is the Strategic Management Department.
NAME CHANGE
He stated that given the name change from GFS to Guyana Fire and Rescue Service with its theme “Re-invent, Re-energize, Re-position for Change” they will be acquiring a fleet of ambulances to enhance their humanitarian services with trained personnel.
Rohee also congratulated Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle for his leadership of the GFS in light of the many changes that can be observed through its collaborative work with the ministry.
In remarks Chief Fire Officer Gentle said the plan is a road map and it was conceived after three separate retreats and it will take the GFS to new heights.
He added that they are open to change and the plan will be implemented through team work.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Gentle noted that the plan will provide better services in public safety and it is a welcome change for the organisation.
Civilian Consultant Leila Parris, who developed the Strategic Plan, presented it Saturday.
Among officials at the well-attended event were Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Angela Johnson, senior GFS officers and others.