–described as senior partner in providing health care
IN efforts to provide support to the disabled community, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints yesterday donated twelve hundred wheel chairs, crutches and walkers to the Ministry of Health’s Materials Management Unit.

Director of the unit, Laluparam Hariram, who spoke at the event, pointed out that the items would be distributed not only to disabled institutes in Georgetown, but to those throughout the entire country.

“Once you are qualified for a chair or anything, you wouldn’t be denied one,” he said.

He noted that, over the years, training has been provided for persons to acquire the necessary skills with regard to rehabilitation of the chairs. “(Persons) at Ptolemy Reid (Rehabilitation Centre) were trained, and then they return to their various regions to pursue what they have been qualified in,” he pointed out.

He said that the church has been a senior partner in providing health care, and noted that the church has been very much engaged in the health care system.

Also speaking on behalf of the ministry, Permanent Secretary, Leslie Cadogan said the sector is very appreciative of the donation, which is accepted with open arms by the Health Ministry.

He charged the director of the management unit to ensure that every effort is made to have the equipment distributed equitably, and that each item is used for its correct purpose.

He praised the church for its good works, and encouraged its members to be continuous in their giving, to ensure that every child or person that is affected is supported in this way.

President of the Church, Dellon Murray, said the church is pleased to be involved in assisting to fulfil the needs of vulnerable persons.    
“People may ask why is the church giving so much, but its members want to follow in the path of the Redeemer,” Murray said.

He added that, just like Christ was giving and helping in ways, the members of the church find it fitting to follow along this path.

Yohan Pooran, first councillor to the church, said the humanitarian programme is extended globally to benefit the most vulnerable, and is funded by the generous contributions of the churches around the world.

“The funds are used to provide food, clothing, hygiene kits. It is the hope that this contribution will assist in capacity building and strong interpersonal skills,” Pooran said.

He noted that the programmes conducted under the church spread across the spectrum of the world, are multi-faceted, and are aimed to benefit every person in need.