Upcoming Fire Prevention Seminar targets Business Community – Kaieteur News
Against the backdrop of the recent spate of fires which have destroyed a number of businesses and storage bonds around the city, the Fire Advisory Board (FAB) in collaboration with the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) will be hosting its fourth annual Fire Prevention Seminar next week.
The seminar is a signature event in the FAB’s calendar and forms a major part of the public relations and education sub-committee’s programme.
Director of Hand in Hand Mutual Fire and Life Group of Companies Howard Cox hands over a cheque to Chairman of the Fire Advisory Board Rajendra Singh yesterday.
It is intended to inform participants- mostly the business community -about fire safety and prevention.
The event will be held on November 21st at the Everest Cricket Club Pavilion, Camp Road and Carifesta Avenue, Thomas lands.
The topics that will be the focus of discussion are; Fire Prevention, Roles of the Works Brigade, Chemistry Combustion, Control and Management of Fire Hazards, Fire Protection of Storage Buildings (bonds and ware houses), Evacuation Procedures and Portable Extinguishers.
Chairman of the Fire Advisory Board Rajendra Singh said that the collaboration between the FAB, the GCCI and the GFS has been in existence for four years, adding that Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire and Life Group of Companies has been the main sponsor for the annual event since its inception in 2010.
“The very first seminar attracted approximately 25 persons and this has more than tripled so much so that the organizers have had to seek a larger venue for this seminar,” Singh said.
This year, the team expects over 100 participants drawn from the various businesses as well as members of the security sector, engineers, architects and university students.
Director of Hand in Hand, Howard Cox said that the insurance company is very pleased to be involved with the programme from its inception.
“Skeptics might say that it is in the interest of the insurance company that if there are less fires it will generate more profits, but in reality fire safety is everybody’s business”, Cox said.
The Director added that fires not only leave a devastating path but also leave dozens of employees out of jobs. “Fire is something that you need to be constantly aware of, and the progamme is run at a very good time when we have the upcoming Christmas season when we find stores stocking up with billions of dollars worth in goods,” Cox said.
He pointed out that persons must always be on the alert and remain focused because the slightest mistake can lead to a catastrophe.
The seminar will feature speakers such as Fire Chief Marlon Gentle, Chairman of the Fire Prevention Advisory Board Rajendra Singh, President of the GCCI Clinton Urling and Director of HIH Mutual Fire and Life Group of Companies Howard Cox.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee is also expected to open the Seminar.
