Standing before residents, firefighters, and emergency personnel, Girard framed the opening as the end of a painful chapter marked by tragedy, delay, and political abandonment.

“From 2016 to 2021, this constituency suffered. We lived through tragic fires, heartbreaking losses, and accidents where help arrived too late. And during those years, we were promised action, but received nothing. Not even the courtesy of an explanation,” Girard said.

In contrast, Girard pointed to the now-completed station as tangible proof of delivery; a fully operational fire truck, a trained team of firefighters on duty, and a functioning ambulance, all on site and ready to respond “this very minute.”

“This is not a ceremony for show. This is real service finally delivered to real people who have waited too long,” he declared.

But Girard’s remarks also carried sharp criticism for the opposition candidate in the constituency, who had taken to social media claiming the station had no truck, no ambulance, and was essentially a façade.

“He calls this opening a sham,” Girard said. “The only sham is him. And the only disgrace is his behavior.”

In a striking moment, Girard questioned the fitness of any politician who had the chance to provide essential emergency services in the past but failed, only to now spread misinformation to undermine what the community had achieved.

“Any politician who failed to deliver essential services when he had the opportunity, and who now tries to mislead you out of desperation, is not fit to represent this constituency ever again.”

He reminded residents that leadership is not about political theatrics but about service, truth, compassion, and standing with people in their hardest moments, not “running online to spread lies when your record cannot stand up to scrutiny.”

The MP emphasized that the opening delivered more than infrastructure, it restored security to a constituency that had gone too long without it.

“We are delivering today more than just a building. It is peace of mind. It is faster emergency response. It is a safer community for our children, our elderly, every family that calls this constituency home.”

He touted his administration’s achievement compared to years of empty promises by the previous administration, saying the fire station stands as proof that when people demand better, and a government respects that demand, results follow.

“We did what was promised but never accomplished. We delivered what others talked about for years but never cared enough to complete.”

He thanked residents for their patience and resilience, calling the station a symbol of shared determination and a future built on real progress rather than political noise.

“May this fire station serve our community well. May our firefighters and EMTs remain safe. And may the constituency continue rising, stronger and more united than ever.”

The West Coast Fire Station is now officially operational, as it made its first response before the end of the opening ceremony,  marking the first time in years that the Anse La Raye/Canaries communities has full, immediate emergency coverage.