Government donates $5M more towards Salvation Army work
MINISTER of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh has said that, at the highest level of government, there is recognition of the work that the Guyana Division of the Salvation Army (SA) is doing. In particular, the impact the drug rehabilitation programme is having, he said last Friday afternoon, in brief remarks before handing over a $5M cheque to aid it, at a simple ceremony.
Speaking at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre, in Water Street, Kingston, Singh said he has, personally, had a number of conversations with President Bharrat Jagdeo on the programme and has heard him express similar sentiments.
The Friday donation increased, to $10M, the amount approved by President Jagdeo to help the SA execute its 2011 programme, in keeping with a promise he made earlier this year. The sum donated this year represents a 100 per cent increase over what was given over the last five years, since 2007.
The cheque was received by the new Divisional Commander, Major Vilo Exantus, successor of Major Sinous Theodore who, earlier this month, proceeded on transfer to Trinidad after an eight-year tenure here.
Major Exantus is accompanied by his wife, Major Yvrose Exantus, who is the new Director of Women’s Services, replacing Major Marie Theodore.
The presentation by Minister Singh, on Friday, was done during a function in the Men’s Social Services Centre and was witnessed by other officers of the Guyana Division, including Major Ulric Thebaud, who has taken over the management of the Rehab Centre from Captain Matignol St. Lot, now responsible for the Citadel Headquarters on South Road, also in Georgetown. 
Also present were Mr. Edward Boyer, Chairman of the SA Advisory Board and Secretary, Ms. Shirley Thomas, other SA officers and clients of the programme.
Singh welcomed the new Divisional Commander and Rehab Programme Manager, noting he is assuming office in an institution in Guyana that has earned its place in the Guyanese landscape.

Measurable contribution
The minister said the Guyana Division has made a measurable contribution, not only with respect to spiritual ministry but with respect to its social programmes, as well. 
He disclosed that he has been observing at a close range, the manner in which the Division discharges its mandate  and commended it and the Advisory Board for their part played.
“We have seen, with great admiration, as a government, the remarkable dedication with which those responsible for the affairs of the Salvation Army have approached their mandate,” Singh said.
The minister also praised all the Board members, who pour out their hearts, soul and energies into serving on it with love and dedication. 
Meanwhile, in welcoming Major Exantus, the minister remarked on the excellent work during the tenure of Major Theodore and said the former can be justifiably proud to be the leader and the Divisional Commander of an institution that has earned the respect of the President, so much so, that he saw it fit to grant the SA a national award.
Both Exantus leaders said that, in just a few short weeks, they have come to love Guyana and its people, particularly the clients at the Centre and pledged to take up where the other leaders left off, in the interest of the continued efficiency and development of the D.R. programme.