Private sector eyes funding Salvation Army drug rehab programme

Nov 07, 2008 News

Members of the Private Sector and officials of the Salvation Army during the press briefing yesterday

Substantial assistance from the private sector in varying forms is likely to be soon plugged into the operation of the local Salvation Army Drug Rehabilitation Centre at Kingston.

And chief among the anticipated assistance, according to Chairman of the Public Sector Commission, Captain Gerry Gouveia, will be financial resources.

During a guided tour by the PSC members and the management of the Drug Rehabilitation Centre it was observed that the many sections of the facility which accommodate recovering drug addicts are in dire need of upgrading.

At a press briefing preceding the tour, Captain Gouveia informed media personnel that the Private Sector Commission has been very involved in economic development as well as in issues of social development.

He pointed out that there are many projects in which the Commission is engaged. Its involvement at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre has been very significant, he added.

And according to Captain Gouveia, the efforts of the private sector have been aptly accentuated by businessman and Chairman of the Board of the Salvation Army, Mr Eddie Boyer.

“He has been setting an example for the rest of us in the private sector. So when he briefed me on what was happening here I felt committed to come because I believe that it is very important that corporate Guyana should support projects like this.”

Some of the inmates of the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Centre

Captain Gouveia added that while the Salvation Army has been doing an exceptional job in addressing the problem of drug addiction, it is evident that it cannot operate alone.

“Our citizens, our brothers and sisters are victims of this disease…and corporate Guyana has a responsibility to get on board and help the Salvation Army.”

Likening the fight against drug addiction to the fight against HIV/AIDS, Captain And according to Administrator of the facility, Captain Matignol Saint-Lot, the drug rehabilitation programme has been able to record a more than 60 per cent success in its clients’ recovery rate.

Individuals are able to access the rehabilitation service of the Salvation Army once they are admitted by a family member, according to Captain Saint-Lot.

He noted that it costs $50,000 per month to facilitate each client’s participation in the recovery and rehabilitation programme, which runs for six months.

He said that the government recently offered the programme a $5 M grant which has since allowed the admittance of seven clients free of cost.

Another 10 persons will be admitted as part of the government assistance, he added. At the moment, the facility has 20 clients of which 10 are supported by their parents and relatives.

And while the cost per individual to be admitted to the recovery programme may be regarded as substantial to some, Captain Saint-Lot noted that it is far less than what is needed to provide an optimal service.

It is for this reason he too expressed satisfaction that the private sector has signalled its intention to boost the efforts of the Salvation Army.

Through the assistance of the private sector it is anticipated that following their recovery the clients will be able to secure paying jobs at various business places.

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