The government is to inject $1m in the Dharm Shala home for the elderly, the Department of Public Information (DPI) said yesterday.
President Irfaan Ali made the pledge during a Christmas luncheon on Wednesday, where residents were treated to drinks, food and music.
DPI said that Ali commended the Managing Head of the home, Kella Ramsaroop, and Vice President Pamela Ramsaroop, as well as the staff for their dedication to supporting the elderly.
“We’re going to continue to support this institution. We’re going to expand this support next year…In addition to the subvention, I will try to see how I can make two other interventions during the course of the year that will support the institution,” the president said.
The head of state underscored that the elderly often face unique challenges, particularly related to their family and community and as a result, these persons may need additional care.
“It is not that these persons, brothers and sisters, who are part of this institution, are a weight on society or a weight on this institution. They are as much equal as we are. They are part of this family of humanity, but their tests and their circumstances would have been much different than our tests and our circumstances. These sisters, Pamela and Kella, they do enormous work with the support of their staff,” President Ali said.
He also distributed toys to the children of the community.
Meanwhile, Vice President of the Dharm Shala, Pamela Ramsaroop said despite numerous challenges, the work of the institution continues.
Established over 104 years ago, the institution maintains its commitment to humanitarian work, offering free services to all who seek help. With 11 buildings across the country – six in Georgetown and five in Berbice – it continues to serve the community.
She emphasised that residents are provided with daily meals, clean and comfortable accommodation, as well as social and religious fulfilment.
“As in previous years, the Dharm Shala has been visited by a few local visitors and those from overseas, all bringing with them small monetary donations, which are all gratefully received by management. Owing to the age of the Dharm Shala, and always with the safety of residents in mind, repair and maintenance work of the Dharm Shala is continuous,” she said.
The Dharm Shala was founded in 1921 by Pandit Ramsaroop Maharaj.
