IT was a bitter-sweet affair as the Salvation Army donated hundreds of hampers to the less fortunate at their complex at South Road and Alexander Street, Georgetown, Monday, and Divisional Commander Emmerson Cumberbatch announced that external funding for the organisation’s projects have been withdrawn.Scores of people, mostly the elderly and the differently-abled, attended the Salvation Army annual Christmas Hamper Distribution which began with a service featuring mostly reports on the organisation’s performances, traditional festive music and the distribution of 710 hampers.

Cumberbatch told the gathering that 2017 is expected to be a difficult year for the organisation since funding for its work throughout the Caribbean has been withdrawn by several donors. “Funding for the Salvation Army throughout the Caribbean, especially Guyana, will have to be met by the officers and the people who are in Guyana. In other words we’re not gonna get the funding that we used to,” he announced at the gathering. Declaring that such loss is “not a good thing,” he said raising funds is a major challenge in some Caribbean countries.

“It’s gonna be a little difficult in 2017. I want to say to persons outside here that their support will be much needed in 2017. We are hoping that the donations coming from businesses and ordinary Guyanese can do more for persons who are less fortunate,” Cumberbatch said.

Salvation Army provides meals, shelter and other services for the less fortunate all over the world. He urged individual donors and companies to continue supporting the work of the organization, so that the less fortunate can experience a change in their lives. “We have a lot of hope and once there’s hope we can do a multitude of things,” Cumberbatch assured. He thanked government, corporate businesses and individuals who contributed to the Salvation Army’s work.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, in delivering remarks at the event, said despite the odds, recipients of gifts and services offered by the organisation, as well as management and staff of the Salvation Army, should hold strong to hope and remain in an attitude of thanksgiving. She thanked those who turned up to receive their hampers, and the staff and volunteers of the organisation for attending to the needs of the many elderly and less fortunate who received a treat this year. She said Guyana should never fail in acknowledging the elderly who have worked hard and built the foundation on which Guyana keeps growing. She also recognized Guyanese as a peaceful and purpose-filled people.

“We benefit today from your hard work, your struggles, your challenges… thank you for bringing Guyana to where it is today and thank you for making us celebrate 50 glorious years… we give thanks to Guyana for peace and tranquility… as we celebrate that we are still a unified country, and we give thanks,” Minister Hughes said.

She said Guyana has come a far way and the elderly should continue to contribute towards the country’s development through guiding the younger generation and fulfil their purpose in further developing Guyana. “This generation today stands on the shoulders of the generation that went before us and we have a series of challenges with our young people… I challenge you, the older and wiser generation, not to give up the important contribution you still could make to help our country move on the right track… We still need you to share your wisdom and your guidance with as many young people as you can share with today,” Minister Hughes said.