THE Guyana Division of the Salvation Army yesterday launched its Annual Christmas Kettles and Mail Appeal at the Georgetown Club, where guest of honour, President Donald Ramotar delivered the feature address and formally launched the 2012 Appeal.

The occasion was celebrated amidst fanfare, and the initial ringing of the symbolic appeal bells by the Head of State; the lusty singing of  Christmas carols and rich up-tempo steel band music by the Guyana Police Force Band, did much to appropriately usher in the spirit of Christmas.
President Ramotar said it was a pleasure to be able to join with the Salvation Army to launch its traditional Christmas activity, noting that he always looks forward to Christmas and the peace and goodwill it brings.
He acknowledged what he considered the tremendous work that is being done by the Salvation Army, in helping the less fortunate ones and those addicted to very dangerous drugs that can have very serious consequences in society.
On a note of encouragement, the Head of State said to the local humanitarian body: “The fact that you are working so hard, patiently, tirelessly, energetically in trying to help people in this way, is really gratifying and really a wonderful contribution  you are making for your own internal spiritual selves, but  also, it is a major  contribution to the development of our country.”
He noted that, in many cases, many such persons [substance abusers] are lost to society, and lost to their families, if they don’t get assistance. The Salvation Army in Guyana, through its Drug Rehabilitation Programme has been able to save countless lives, hanging dangerously on the precipice of disaster.
Eight years ago government began a process of annual subventions to help offset the work of the programme.  Through this means, many persons, genuinely seeking to recover from the throes of substance abuse, but unable to afford the cost of joining the programme, have been able to access the service through the funding offered by government.  Having started with $5M per year, for the year 2011, that amount was doubled to $10M. In 2011 also, a grant of some $16M plus was approved for the rehabilitation of the building which houses the drug rehabilitation programme and client.
President Ramotar, since his assumption to office in December 2011, like his predecessor has   also embraced the work of the Salvation Army and continues to lend tangible support.
Two weeks ago, the Head of State, was patron at a Fund Raising Dinner hosted by the Drug Rehabilitation Programme and addressed the gathering at the forum, also held at the Georgetown Club.
Meanwhile, at yesterday’s ceremony, President Ramotar acknowledged the presence of the many generous and affluent persons gathered to join in celebrating the symbolic launch of the Kettles.
“It augurs well and tells us that we have people of a strong social conscience – people who have been successful, have done well and have not forgotten the less fortunate.” To be humane and sensitive to the problems of the less fortunate is just as important as having a higher quality of life,” he opined.
The Head of State had kudos for those gathered to support the noble cause and called on the business community to support the initiative in a broader way, since, by doing so, they would be serving a worthwhile cause.
Meanwhile, reiterating his best wishes and support for the Salvation Army, as we approach the season of goodwill, President Ramotar concluded that such goodwill is evidently needed, as Guyana strives to keep on advancing.
Among the distinguished gathering were members of the Diplomatic Corps, Minister of Human Services and Social Services and Social Security, Dr. Jennifer Webster; members of the Private Sector Commission; and other members of the business community.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Advisory Board, Edward Boyer, who welcomed guests, made a special appeal to them, especially the private sector, to give to the Kettles, adding that their support is very much needed as the Salvation Army continues to roll out its diverse humanitarian programmes.