– to assist work of  Army’s  Drug Rehab programme
COLLABORATION between the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Division of the Salvation Army is being further strengthened with a gift of $5 million to assist the work of the Army’s Drug Rehabilitation Programme in Kingston, Georgetown during 2011. This commitment was made to the Salvation Army yesterday by Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, during the Army’s annual distribution of Christmas hampers to the needy, at Citadel Headquarters, South Road and Alexander Street.

At this event, more than 1,000 hampers were distributed in the city, with more slated for distribution to other worship corps and home leagues operated locally over the next few days.

The financial support to the Drug Rehabilitation Programme (the Men’s Social Services Centre) – the biggest programme undertaken by the Salvation Army locally, was initiated at the behest of President Bharrat Jagdeo three years ago, and has since become an annual feature – profoundly appreciated and eagerly looked forward to each year.

The disbursement will commence early in the new year.

Divisional commander, Major Sinous Theodore and Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Mr. Edward Boyer, expressed appreciation to the Government for this great humanitarian gesture, which has been able to significantly boost  the work of the Salvation Army in recent times.

Through the grant from the Government of Guyana, many substance abusers genuinely wishing to ‘come off drugs’, but lacking the financial means to pay to get onto the programme which offers therapy, have been able to be enrolled without their families having to pay over the last three years.

Dr. Singh, who has on previous occasions officiated at activities of the Salvation Army, and followed its impeccable track record, expressed profound pleasure at being able to be present at the forum, particularly because of:
* the professional association between the two entities at a governmental level
* the very high regard that government has for the work being done by the Salvation Army
* and most of all, he said – for reasons associated with the celebration of Christmas and the lessons associated with ‘this great and spiritual festival’.

Dwelling a while on the significance of Christmas, the Finance Minister said that, more than being a season of festivities, the occasion provides an opportunity for persons to reflect, recollect and rededicate themselves to the very important virtues that are attached to the festival.

He alluded to the story of Christmas as being replete with lessons that remind us of virtues and values that are akin to the birth, life and resurrection of Christ.

Some of those he identified as: lessons of compassion, sharing, the value of service, the virtue of sacrifice, the triumph of that which is good and positive over that which is not, the worthy aspiration of equality of all people, and importantly – the protection of the weak by the strong, as is evidenced in the work of the Salvation Army.

To this end, the Finance Minister made a call, not only to those assembled for the programme, but to all Guyana, as they celebrate the Christmas festivities, to reflect on the important lessons that are contained in the story of Christ and Christmas.

“I would urge all those in positions of importance, not only in Government, but in business, Non-Governmental Organisations, in companies, in clubs, associations and indeed the home …that as we celebrate and enjoy the traditional Christmas festivities, to reflect on the important lessons associated with the season,” Dr. Singh said.

The decisions made and programmes implemented by government on a daily basis, he assured, are informed by those same values of selflessness and sacrifice,  earlier alluded to, the Minister pointed out.

“There is no decision taken, nor any action undertaken by Government that does not have people at its centre,” he assured.

He further said that literally every investment made by government, is one that is dominated by the interest of the people  – particularly as it relates to the most vulnerable in society.

Testimony to this, he unveiled plans for the construction of a  $400M shelter for the homeless, among other things.

Noting that Government embraces partnership with likeminded institutions, as a centre pillar of the work it does, he immediately identified the Salvation Army as one such, adding that such works are well documented.

To this end, the Minister had kudos for the Army and recalled being eminently impressed with what he had learnt and ‘seen’ of its ministry here in Guyana.

“I have had the pleasure of witnessing first hand … and commending the Salvation Army for the resounding success they have enjoyed,” he said.

The Minister referred to the programme for the rehabilitation of substance abusers, and recalled being thrilled by testimonies of ‘miracles’ told by men who had become reformed through it.

Also present at yesterday’s Christmas Hampers Distribution was Dr. Singh’s wife, Mrs. Geetanjali Singh, who assisted with the distribution of the first set of hampers to the needy.

The programme, which lasted for about two hours, was both spirited and inspiring.
The Christmas story was told by Divisional Youth and Candidate Officer, Captain Vilece Thomas, amidst lusty singing of Christmas carols by all present.
Others officiating at the forum were Divisional Leaders, Majors Sinous and Marie Theodore; other Corps Officers; Chairman of the Advisory Board, Mr. Edward Boyer and other board members.