Firefighters in Guyana are expressing growing concerns over direct interference by Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn in firefighting operations, with one fireman taking to social media to vent frustration over what he describes as ministerial overreach.
Neville Cumberbatch, a Section Leader in the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), expressed his discontent in a Facebook Live post on Saturday, March 22, 2025 following the response to a fire at Critchlow Labour College, in Woolford Ave., Georgetown. Cumberbatch accused Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn of violating the Guyana Fire Service Act and established operational procedures by becoming overly involved in firefighting activities.
According to the Fire Service Act, the Chief Fire Officer holds command and superintendence over the Service, acting under the general direction of the Minister. The law grants the Minister authority over certain operational matters, including the speedy attendance to fire alarms, but Cumberbatch argues that decisions at fire scenes should be left to trained professionals.
In his post, Cumberbatch explained that he had informed both his superiors and local political figures about what he sees as an obstruction to firefighting operations. He expressed that firefighters were unable to perform their duties due to interference from individuals who lack the necessary training.
“You can’t come and jeopardise firefighting because of whatever authority you hold,” he stated, emphasising that only trained firefighters should be directing operations.
Cumberbatch, who has been with the GFS for over a decade, went further to question whether Minister Benn thought he could single-handedly extinguish fires. He pointed out the potential legal consequences of such interference, warning that it could lead to complications if a court case arises. He suggested that Minister Benn should either refrain from disrupting firefighting efforts or get involved personally if he believed he knew more about the job.
Reflecting on the recent fire at Critchlow Labour College, Cumberbatch noted that the Control Room, not unqualified individuals, should be responsible for deploying resources to fire scenes. He criticised the presence of non-firefighters giving instructions and causing confusion at the scene, which, in his opinion, led to the fire getting out of control. “That is not firefighting! That is madness!” he exclaimed, calling for the Minister to stop interfering in the work of trained fire personnel.
Cumberbatch’s frustrations also extended to the broader issue of the Fire Service’s operational challenges over the past four years. He expressed hope that the situation would improve, stressing that firefighters need to be allowed to do their jobs without external interference.
“Take your foot off the people’s neck,” he urged, calling for an end to the chaos that has been plaguing the service.
The Section Leader also appealed to President Irfaan Ali to intervene and hold Minister Benn accountable, echoing his respect for the previous Home Affairs Minister’s handling of the Fire Service and the professional conduct of other officials like Attorney General Anil Nandlall.
Cumberbatch recommended that Minister Benn focus on policy issues that could improve the Fire Service, such as installing GPS trackers on fire vehicles, providing better allowances for firefighters, increasing inspection fees, and offering more financial support for the families of deceased firefighters.
Earlier this year, the GFS acquired 40 new firefighting and emergency vehicles, including a Bronto Skylift and fireboats, signaling a step forward in addressing operational challenges. Despite these improvements, Cumberbatch’s comments highlight ongoing concerns about the service’s ability to function efficiently amidst external interference.
