PRESIDENT David Granger is urging persons to give generously to the Salvation Army’s kettles, as the organisation seeks to raise much needed funds over the next six weeks to help bring hope and joy to the lives of needy children and other less fortunate persons.“They [children] are the future and if we don’t look after children of course, we would jeopardise our own future…,” the President declared.
President Granger made this call yesterday during the launch of the Army’s Annual Christmas Appeal, made on the lawns of Guyana Stores on Church Street. The Head of State who was the Special Guest at the ceremony was at the time delivering the feature address at the function held under the theme: ‘Sharing is Caring’.
Expressing his pleasure at being able to honour the invitation to be the Special Guest at the function, President Granger said the nation has always been happy to be associated with the Salvation Army for over 120 years.

CHARITY
Referring to the theme of the event, which speaks to ‘sharing’ and ‘caring’, the President said that it was also about charity, stressing, that we have to give because in giving we ourselves get.
“So in my brief remarks, I will like to ask each person here to give generously because it will come back to you…It will come back to you in fewer children who are homeless; fewer families who are in distress; fewer citizens who are poor and can’t afford to send their children to school and fewer families who are able to share that good life.”
The President said that in addition to ushering in the campaign, he had occasion to gratefully acknowledge the work that the Salvation Army has been doing for over 120 years in our country.
Reflecting on the birth of Christ who came to earth in very humble circumstances, he said that one of the most outstanding aspects of Christmas itself is not just the miraculous nature of Christ’s birth, but also that he came as a child.
CENTRALITY OF CHILDREN
“And for that reason, he said, many families throughout the western world regard Christmas as a festival for children, adding that we would like to feel that the launch of the campaign today, is also a recognition of the centrality of children in our lives. “They are the future and if we don’t look after children of course, we would jeopardise our own future,” the President affirmed.
He posited that in giving, we ensure that we create a climate in our country – a climate in which we learn to respect each other and love and share with each other. On this note, he suggested that the occasion was a special function, not only for children, but also for caring.
REDUCE INEQUALITY
Meanwhile, President Granger observed that the Salvation Army is renowned in the western world for its war against poverty. Noting that in Guyana, poverty is one of our greatest challenges, he proposed that if Guyana is to move forward we have to reduce inequality.
Against the back drop of Guyana having a very small population, the President said he is convinced that if we remove those inequalities more people will graduate into the middle class; more people would be able to go to school; more people would be able to enjoy that good life that we have promised them.
Extending kudos to the Salvation Army for the work they undertake in Guyana, the President said: “I regard your efforts today – not only as an aspect of Christian charity, but also as an economic venture to reduce and remove inequalities, so that more people would be able to gain education; more people would be able to participate more fully in the economy and thereby enjoy that good life.”
And noting some of the activities in which the Salvation Army will be involved over the next six weeks leading up to Christmas, such as visits to old folks homes; visits to those in need; visits to the hospitals; and assisting children to participate in that ‘good life’ with toys, with food, he urged them to continue the good work and called on others to join in such activities.
In concluding, President Granger, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, officially launched the Christmas Appeal by making the first donation of $100,000 to the fund.
Others among the distinguished gathering making donations included British High Commissioner Gregory Quinn; Captain Gerald Gouveia; Major General (ret’d) Norman Mc Lean; Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookoo and other members of the PSC.
Meanwhile, President of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Mr. Edward Boyer, in welcoming President Granger stated: “On behalf of the Advisory Board and its members, we are especially honoured today to have our Special Guest, the President of Guyana, President David Granger to the launch of the annual Salvation Army Kettle Appeal which signifies the start of Christmas.”
Mr. Boyer said it was especially gratifying to welcome the President, since his life mirrors the Salvation Army. “Like the Salvation Army, giving has always been paramount in your life. You’ve given a lot to our country through your distinguished service in the armed forces… Like the Salvation Army which always serves people, you have continued to serve this nation at the highest level, with a passion at a time when most people would refrain from a vigorous and hectic life. You have decided to take up the mantle and continue to serve our nation especially at an extremely challenging time in our history.”
He added that the President’s life, his decency, integrity, which are hallmarks of the Salvation Army, all provide additional credibility to the Salvation Army for advocacy of its fundraising.
Mr. Boyer said that through donations made to the kettles, together with other sources of funds, the Salvation Army continues to make direct compassionate and hands-on service to thousands of people each year in Guyana. These funds restore hope and dignity to those who might otherwise remain invisible in our society,” he said.
Hosted by Divisional Leaders, Majors Emmerson and Carolinda and officers of the Guyana Division, the programme was richly spiced with musical renditions from the Guyana Police Force Steel Band; performances by the Divisional Timbrel Brigade; and carol singing led by officers of the Division.
Immediately after the launch, kettles were posted at strategic places around Georgetown, with an appeal by Major Carolinda Cumberbatch for citizens and others to give generously to the fund, and so help make Christmas bright for the less fortunate.

By Shirley Thomas