Finance Minister commissions spanking new Salvation Army building
Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh hands over the cheque to Major Emmerson Cummberbatch. Looking on is Chairman of the Advisory Board, Edward Boyer and Administrator Major Urick Thibaud
Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh hands over the cheque to Major Emmerson Cummberbatch. Looking on is Chairman of the Advisory Board, Edward Boyer and Administrator Major Urick Thibaud

THE Salvation Army (SA) yesterday commissioned its spanking new building at Water Street, Kingston and as a result will now be able to serve a wider cross-section of the society. 

The building was completed through Government’s assistance to the tune of $16.5M.

The newly rehabilitated Salvation Army building in Kingston
The newly rehabilitated Salvation Army building in Kingston

Speaking at the opening ceremony at Water Street, Kingston, the Administrator, Major Urick Thibaud noted that for some time now conditions at the facility were not conducive to a proper living environment. He applauded the Government of Guyana for its generosity in making his dream reality.
Chairman of the Advisory Board, Edward Boyer, explained that the board was tasked with finding the funds to rehabilitate the institution and they had approached the then President, Dr. Bharat Jagdeo. Boyer noted that he gave the green light and a proposal was made to the Government seeking assistance to rehabilitate the institution. “We have managed to complete the building despite all the challenges we have faced,” Boyer said.
Boyer empahsised that the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh was very instrumental in all aspects of the rehabilitation as well as other works that the army conducts. He also thanked the Government for their tremendous support.
Dr. Ashni Singh complimented the SA for its drug rehabilitation programme, while noting that he “has always been impressed by the work of the Salvation Army in Guyana since I first came into contact with them several years ago.”
Apart from the work in spiritual ministry which stands out and speaks for itself, the army has proven to be a proactive and dynamic partner, confronting some of the most serious and pressing social challenges.
He noted that countless lives were saved and transformed by the army over the years. For its sterling performance and outstanding work in the community, Dr. Singh acknowledged, the Salvation Army was conferred with the prestigious national award of Medal of Service (M.S).
He explained that “what is commendable also is that persons that were saved have in turn assisted the army as councillors.
“You have proven your worth as a proactive partner by giving persons a second chance in life,” he said, noting all the works that the army would have conducted over the years.”
“Government is proud to partner with the Salvation Army in helping to transform the lives of the thousands of clients who pass through here” Dr. Singh stressed. With the new facility, he related, more persons will be assisted in a more comfortable environment and this is very heartening to him.
The rehabilitation of this facility has been long awaited amongst numerous challenges, it has been completed. “We consider ourselves privileged to have been able to have supported by the provision of a grant of $16.5M to reconstruct this social centre which will serve as a residential facility and a half-way house,” the Finance Minister said.
Dr. Singh affirmed that the Salvation Army’s Drug Rehabilitation Programme was the kind of programme, Government would like to embrace and participate in. Consequently, Government has been contributing $10M per annum to the Salvation Army’s Drug Rehabilitation Programme, with Dr. Singh handing over the final installment of $5M at the ceremony.

(By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)

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