FINANCE Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, on Monday committed the Government of Guyana’s continued support of the Salvation Army’s Drug Rehabilitation project, at the Salvation Army’s annual dinner held at the entity’s Men’s Social Centre in Water Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

“As long as the Salvation Army’s drug rehabilitation programme continues to produce success stories, this Government will be proud to partner with the programme. You take up the mantle and occupy your rightful place as a productive citizen of the country, take up your rightful place and become a gainfully employed member of our society,” the minister urged.
He encouraged them not to be satisfied with what they are today, but to become even better in the days to come. “You are the true heroes who have overcome real challenge,” the minister declared.
He explained that at the re-dedication of the newly rebuilt Men’s Social Centre recently, he presented $5M from Government to support the drug rehab programme.

The minister noted that there was one characteristic which set the event apart, that of the testimony of current and past clients of the rehabilitation programme. “I came to hear the testimonials from clients…because ultimately this is what the programme is all about– the lives that have been turned around and saved and put back on the right path to success and glory…I am happy that I made that choice today because I wasn’t disappointed,” he said.
Describing a presentation made by a client, he noted that whilst it was humorous, the message resonated with all present. He pointed out that the decision “To walk through these gates and surrender oneself to God’s will, to muster one’s own strength…and emerge over the demons… those are the really inspiring stories.”
Making this annual visit and hearing this from many people, in a variety of stories, the minister pointed out that, “There was a first today from a female…you were the first woman who delivered testimony today…”
He explained that since he has been calling on the organisers to replicate the programme’s success with female clients, he was happy that it has been

answered. “You can now tell the story of the demons you have confronted.”
Pointing out that substance abuse doesn’t know boundaries, he urged the organisers to extend the reach of the programme to ultimately benefit all Guyanese who could walk through “gates like these and find the path back to righteousness and success.”

Minister Singh pointed out that each Guyanese who might have committed a mis-step, irrespective of the stimuli bringing them to circumstances, must be afforded the opportunity to reconfigure themselves. That includes those who might have fallen victim to substance abuse.
“We live in a society which is quick to eschew success, but when you are down and out there are few friends,” he pointed out.
He explained that since a business such as the Salvation Army cannot be run by itself, “We will not give up…but we will work with partners who can, and the Salvation Army has proven that it can.”
Minister Singh posited that if the members of the drug rehab programme could overcome those difficulties, chances are they could overcome anything else as, “The same will you can use in your battle for all demons…if you are willing to muster the power from within, there is no limit to what you can achieve. I am happy that you are now clean and free of whatever substance you are afflicted with…” the minister stated.  (GINA)