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Finance Minister calls on Salvation Army to include women in drug rehab. programme
Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, is calling for more involvement by Civil Society to foster and promote social programs aimed at developing Guyana.
Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh
His call was made at the opening ceremony of the Guyana Salvation Army Dinner and Social which was held Friday night.
“Nowhere in the world can government alone confront and overcome all of the challenges faced by a country”, he said.
“Responsible social partners and responsible citizens are an absolutely critical pre-requisite if our country is to achieve what we want of it.”
The Minister noted that the work of the Salvation Army’s Drug Rehabilitation Center is one to be applauded for reforming persons affected with drug addiction and re-integrating them back into their communities and societies where they are able to contribute to the development of their country.
“We want to ensure that each and every one of you get a fair chance to make an optimal contribution to the growth and development of our country,” the Finance Minister told current and former clients of the rehabilitation center.
Minister Singh, having noted the contributions and benefits of the program, pledged Government’s continued support once it continues to achieve its goals.
Last year, the GoG gave $16M in capital funding to expand the drug rehabilitation program in its effort to accommodate more clients.
“At that stage, we were looking to attract female clients too,” explained the Minister. He noted that drug addiction affects both men and women and therefore the facility should also cater to the needs of female clients.
“I wish to urge the Salvation Army to replicate the outstanding success that has been achieved with male clients, to extend the program to include female clients,” he said.
Minister Singh also urged the participants to stay with the programme and to maximize the resources and facilities as part of their recovery.
“I believe substance abuse has distracted you from your intended calling,” said Minister Singh. “We need you badly to return to the path on which you have been put on this earth to walk.”
Chief Councilor at the rehabilitation center Amarnauth Parsad noted that the year has been one of the most successful for the organization as all of their clients have remained in the program, compared to previous years where a number of them relapsed and left.
He attributed these developments to a combination of factors, including government support, stronger leadership and the ability of the organization to hire more qualified staff.
The Chief Counselor is also looking forward to next year with plans to expand the organization’s building and program, the launch of a prison drug rehabilitation programme and the continuation of a work and skills training program for persons who successfully complete the drug rehabilitation programme.
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