…Army launches Christmas Kettles Appeal
THE local Salvation Army yesterday ushered in the Yuletide season with the launch of its annual Christmas Kettles Appeal, at the Georgetown  Club in the capital city. It was an historic moment in the life of the Guyana Division of the Salvation Army, since President Bharrat Jagdeo, who has been a tangible supporter of the Army’s programmes in manifold ways, for the last time before demitting office, delivered a sobering feature address and launched the appeal.
And on this occasion too, there was another pleasant surprise for the Salvation Army, since the president announced approval for funding in the sum of $18M for the rebuilding of the Men’s Social Services Centre, the building which houses the Drug Rehabilitation Programme, on Water Street Kingston.
Through this means, the facility, which now accommodates some 30 clients, will be expanded to accommodate 50, with modern facilities.
For about the last six years, President Jagdeo has been giving tangible support to the Salvation Army, through an annual grant of $5M to assist its Drug Rehabilitation Programme. This amount was doubled for the year 2011, taking it to $10M, in light of increased operational costs triggered by the global economic crisis.
Said President Jagdeo:  “I am particularly pleased with the work done by the Salvation Army in Guyana….The strong leadership this organization has had, and the dedicated people who work within this organization.  But what they’ve accomplished, could only be accomplished through a labour of love.”
The Head of State commented that monetary rewards will never be able to compensate the people who work in this organization here in Guyana, adding “… because I’ve seen in a very real way, how they have made a difference in the lives of countless people.”
The President pledged further support for the institution, stating, “I may not be President, but I can be a strong advocate for funding for the Salvation Army.”
President Jagdeo took pride in the fact that the Salvation Army, universally,  does not discriminate, but accords help to anyone, regardless of their race,  religion, or ethnicity; accords help based only on one principle, that is – need.  He said more such organizations are needed around the world and here in Guyana, operating more in accordance with these principles.  “If we do, the world would be a better place, and Guyana will really realise its destiny,”  he said.
He pointed to the need for Guyanese who are doing well economically to engage in ways of ‘giving back to the society’, urging that they give to organizations that make a difference.
To this end, he called on the private sector to give generously to support such humanitarian work. “And so I hope that they would give generously to the Salvation Army and to the others who deal with unfortunate people, I have sat with people whose lives have been changed by the work done by this organisation, and can give testimony to how well the resources are spent.”

Meanwhile, in acknowledgement of the Head of State’s sterling contribution to the Salvation Army, he was presented with a plaque signed by General of the Salvation Army (London), Linda Bond; Territorial  Secretary, Col. Onal Castor; Divisional Commander, Major Vilo Exantus; and President of the Advisory Board (Guyana Division), Mr. Edward Boyer.