The Salvation Army received a much-needed boost to its finances on Wednesday when President Bharrat Jagdeo presented a cheque for $5M to coordinators of the drug rehabilitation programme.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, Jagdeo presented the cheque during a meeting with Salvation Army Advisory Board Chairman Eddie Boyer, Administrator Captain Matignol Saint-Lot and beneficiaries of the rehab programme at the Office of the President.
Boyer told GINA that the sum will help, significantly, to offset the costs of those who need treatment. The Salvation Army usually subsidises the cost of rehabilitation, which families have to bear. But with the president’s contribution, he was confident that the programme will be able to attract more vulnerable groups.
“The programme has over the years benefited a lot of persons… a lot of them are back in the society and hundreds of them over the years are benefiting,” Boyer said, while adding that more persons can benefit with corporate support.
Jagdeo hailed the work of the Salvation Army. He also encouraged the coordinators to go a step further and to reach out to schools and other areas to warn them about the consequences of drug addition. The president also shared ideas with the group about strengthening after-treatment services which are deemed vital to preventing relapses.
Ronald, a beneficiary of the programme said, “They’re doing a wonderful job there and for me, if it wasn’t for them I would not have gotten back my family, friends and relatives. I really appreciate what they are doing. Those out there who have families on drugs should visit the Salvation Army and get some advice. It’s time we all live life. Life is sweet.”
Recovering addict Shaik, who is currently enrolled in the programme, has also undertaken to help others in similar situations with the training he received during his six-month stint. “It’s a commitment I have made within myself as an oath to serve back society freely, by going out there and carrying this message of what I did to get myself out of that situation,” Shaik said.
The Salvation Army is an international movement that undertakes charitable works in over 120 countries worldwide. It was founded in 1865 in the United Kingdom by William and Catherine Booth as the East London Christian Mission.
