MINISTER of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, Friday evening presented a $5M cheque to the Salvation Army’s Guyana Division at the institution’s reunion of past and present clients. This is in addition to a similar amount that was disbursed earlier this year.
Initially, government’s annual contribution to the organisation over the years has been $5M; however, recognising the positive impact that its rehabilitative programmes has been yielding, this sum has now been increased to $10M annually.

Additionally, the entity is slated to receive $15M shortly from government, which will go towards funding the refurbishing and extension of the building that currently houses the social centre. This was an initiative of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who made this commitment in 2011.
Minister Singh, in his remarks, said that programmes of the Salvation Army are very impacting on the lives of people struggling with substance abuse, and have enabled them to recover, regain their confidence, and resume their contribution to the collective social effort.
He noted that substance abuse is a social scourge that exempts no one, as people regardless of their ethnic background, age, religion, geography or social status, are vulnerable to this societal ill.

Dr Singh commended the clients, both past and present, and said that they are justified in congratulating themselves, first for identifying the problem, and then for working to fix it so that they can return to their rightful place in society.
“It is because of your success story that the leadership of the Army and the Government of Guyana remains committed to implementing and supporting these programmes…the Government of Guyana is proud to be associated with this programme, and we believe it is value for money,” Minister Singh said.
He also lauded the members of the board of the Salvation Army for their charitable work and significant presence in Guyana.
This year, the organisation celebrated its 125th anniversary since it began its work in the Caribbean. Several of the officers who serve in Guyana are from Haiti and other Caribbean countries, such as Barbados.
Chairman of the Army’s Advisory Board, Edward Boyer, praised the partnership with the government, which continues to see tangible support for the organisation’s work. (GINA)