Dharm Shala gets increased subvention
President David Granger signing the Dharm Shala Visitor’s Book after enjoying the annual Christmas luncheon with residents. Mr. Edward Boyer of the National Hardware (left) and Misses Kella and Pamela Ramsaroop (right) look on.
(Ministry of the Presidency Photo)
President David Granger signing the Dharm Shala Visitor’s Book after enjoying the annual Christmas luncheon with residents. Mr. Edward Boyer of the National Hardware (left) and Misses Kella and Pamela Ramsaroop (right) look on. (Ministry of the Presidency Photo)

-$1M donation to be handed over before year-end

PRESIDENT David Granger has announced an increase in government subvention for the Dharm Shala indigent home, and a donation of $1 million, to be received before year end, for the continued work at the institution.

Residents and other beneficiaries smile as President David Granger announces an increase in government subvention and a million-dollar donation to the Dharm Shala
Residents and other beneficiaries smile as President David Granger announces an increase in government subvention and a million-dollar donation to the Dharm Shala

This announcement was made at a Christmas Day luncheon held at the home.

“We [would] like to look at other measures that could be used to rehabilitate them, to prepare them for the world of work. People should not feel that the end of their useful life begins when they enter the Dharm Shala; it is just a phase, something to help them help themselves,” President Granger said.

The President said the donation is to be used to support any effort to rehabilitate and/or equip any member of the institution with the skills needed for employment. He noted that the Dharm Shala has a rich tradition of hospitality, sharing and caring in Guyana’s history; and he noted that Christmas should not only be a time for merriment, but, more importantly, a time for charity, peace, and the goodness of Christ.

President Granger also stressed his government’s plan to bridge the gaps of inequality that currently exist in the country. “I hope that in this institution, some of that additional money that will be coming your way in 2016 will be used to encourage persons, regardless of their age, to remain in employment or to enter or re-entre the world of employment, and also the world of education.

“Regardless of how old you are, there is always something to learn; there is always something,” the President said.

In wishing those present at the luncheon a Merry Christmas, President Granger expressed hope that, as the charity carries out its mandate, provision is made for spiritual growth, as Guyana gets closer to observing its 50th Independence Anniversary.

“This time, let us come together…. Let us regard next year, 2016, as a year for coming together, a year for national unity. Wherever we are, let us reaffirm our faith in our nation, reaffirm our faith in one another; and let us use this scared festival, the festival of peace and goodwill, to remember the lesson of Luke, that we should greet each other with peace,” he said.

Before leaving the institution, President Granger also signed the Dharm Shala Visitor’s Book.

Treasurer of the Dharm Shala and Managing Head of the institution, Kella Ramsaroop, expressed gratitude to President Granger. She noted that his visit to the institution was welcomed by the residents.

The Dharm Shala has been providing much-needed care to indigents and elderly persons in Guyana for 95 years. Housing and medical care are included in that provision. During the days leading up to Christmas, the residents of the Dharm Shala were treated to a day of carolling by the Salvation Army, and participated in the church’s annual children’s party for the Albouystown community.
Throughout the month, residents of the Dharm Shala were treated to gifts and goodies by the business community and other individuals.

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