Govt’s contribution to combating drug addiction lauded
-Drug treatment programme made possible through Govt support
-“More Armies like Salavation Army needed” – PM Nagamootoo
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, October 28, 2018
The Government was on Saturday evening commended for their contributions in the fight against drug addiction and abuse.
Delivering remarks at the seventh annual gala fund-raising event of The Salvation Army (TSA) Men’s Social Centre, Divisional Commander of TSA Guyana Major Matignol Saint-Lot extended his gratitude to the government as it was through them, the drug treatment programme “was made possible.”
“A special thanks to the government of Guyana who has been helping this special programme of the Salvation Army which in turn has been helping men who have been caught up in drug addiction,” he said.
The primary mission of the Drug Treatment Programme is to aid addicts in reforming their lives and return to their families and society as productive citizens.
Mark Butts, a recovering addict and benefactor of the programme shared his story with members of the audience. He related that having completed the necessary steps he now has a stable job and a good relationship with the people in his life.
“I am grateful to God for the Salvation Army creating a programme like this and I am grateful to the Government for supporting the Salvation Army to help people like me,” Butts said.
Present at the event was Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who underscored the importance of the Salvation Army.
“Today as the world is embroiled with conflict and confrontation, you need many more armies like the Salvation Army to make peace and be able to resolve differences in a way that can promote social cohesion.”
Prime Minister Nagamootoo complimented the organisation for their continuous commitment and dedication, noting that “if you start changing the life of one person at a time, it is possible to change the society.” He encouraged patrons to donate freely and openly to the Salvation Army and urged them to see the organisation as “helpers, as carers and as givers.”
Major Ulrick Thibaud, Administrator of the Salvation Army Men’s Social Centre stated that the Prime Minister attendance at the event was “a testimony of the government’s support to the Guyana division of the Salvation Army and in particular the Men’s Social Centre.”
Anara Khan.
Images: Jameel Mohamed.