THE Guyana Division of the Salvation Army in April brought cheer to the hearts of several families whose lives were disrupted as a result of heavy winds, rainfall and severe flooding in villages across Region Three early last month.

Divisional Commander Major, Matignol Saint Lot, and his wife Major Mireille Saint Lot, Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries, along with a team of other Salvation Army officers, in a second response since the disaster, on Thursday distributed more than 100 food hampers, along with 25 mattresses to residents of Stewartville who adversely affected by the flood.

The initiative which had the support of the Region Three Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikaran, and his personal assistant Ganesh Mahaipaul, was facilitated in the Regional Boardroom of the Regional Office with the kind consent and cooperation of the administration.

In his opening remarks, Major Saint Lot said the Salvation Army was pleased to be able to respond, particularly to the needs of the little children suffering as a result of the disaster.
In his brief address to the gathering and the team of regional officers which included the principal assistant secretary (PAS), Major Saint Lot recalled how devastating the news he received on March 5 was, informing him of the devastation suffered by the hapless victims through natural disasters. He said that the Division wasted no time in travelling to the affected areas, and by the next day they had returned to the region where they did the first distribution on a house-to-house basis, though on a smaller scale.

The Divisional Commander who has spent the greater portion of his life in the Salvation Army working in Guyana, alluded to the commitment in Guyana’s National Pledge: “To love my fellow citizens,” adding that in effect, that is what the work of the Salvation Army is all about- loving other people and giving help where help is needed.

Major Matignol Saint Lot expressed profound gratitude to the REO and his administration for partnering with them and for carrying out the survey to ascertain where the need was greatest and the true victims of the disaster, so as to have them registered to be included on the distribution list; for making the facility available for the distribution exercise and third, and for providing transportation to take the mattresses, intended specifically for the children, to their homes.

Meanwhile, in welcoming the Salvation Army officials, Jaikaran expressed profound appreciation to the donor team for the kind gesture, which was aimed at bringing relief to the suffering families for about the third or fourth time since the disaster.And speaking with firm conviction he stated: “When the Salvation Army communicated their intention to me, I was immediately eager that this should happen. And when I spoke with the team this morning, there was a clear indication that as of this day, there will be a great relationship between the Region Three administration and the Salvation Army.”
“Whatever the circumstances, this Region is going to stand behind the Salvation Army,” the REO affirmed, to deafening applause from the deeply appreciative gathering on hand to receive their relief supplies.

The REO observed the consistency with which the Salvation Army responds to people in need, noting that the response is quite commendable. And sending out a clarion call to the business community, Jaikaran stated: “And therefore we have, as citizens, to let the business community and those who are in a position to ensure that the Salvation Army grows in its work, know that their (the business sector’s) contribution is most important.”
Therefore, he opined, the business community has an equal and corresponding duty to ensure that they come on board and support the Salvation Army, that is giving to the people of the region in ‘all its form and in all situations, adding: “So this morning, I want to say thanks to them.” The REO also urged the citizens to give generously and enthusiastically to The Army’s Christmas Kettles and other fundraisers whenever they are out on the streets or are selling fundraising tickets.

There were other persons from the gathering who also came forward to express their thanks and deep appreciation to the Salvation Army for meeting them at a point of their need.

Meanwhile, another distribution exercise for other flood-hit families was scheduled to take place at Leonora on Friday.