Gov’t committed to working with Salvation Army

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh on Sunday joined scores of well-wishers and members of the Salvation Army to welcome newly appointed divisional leaders and reaffirm government’s commitment to its programmes.

Major Emmerson and Carolinda Cumberbatch were appointed Divisional Commander and Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries respectively, at the ceremony held at the Salvation Army’s Alexander street location, a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

In his address, Singh said “The army has done outstanding work over the years, including its role in the implementation of social programmes which have been successful at touching the lives of Guyanese.” He said it “was well served” by its leaders. Government has always put social development on the front burner and is committed to working hand-in-hand with the Salvation Army, Singh added.

“We believe that every citizen has a contribution to make towards society and as such, I must re-affirm our Government’s commitment to the continued support towards the successful implementation of social programme within the institution,” the minister said.

According to GINA, government has injected $5 million to help offset some of the institution’s expenses for its drug addict rehabilitation programme. The administration also provided $18 million to the group for its Men’s Social Centre Refurbishment project. “The Salvation Army is an international body that functions in over 120 countries worldwide with charitable work as its prime objective,” it noted.