Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, is calling for more involvement by civil society to foster and promote social programmes aimed at developing Guyana.
He made the call at a Guyana Salvation Army dinner and social event on Friday evening. “Nowhere in the world can government alone confront and overcome all of the challenges faced by a country,” he said, adding: “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 drug rehabilitation centre 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 said to current and former clients of the rehabilitation centre.
Minister Singh, having noted the contributions and benefits of the programme, pledged government’s continued support once it continues to achieve its goals.
Last year, the government gave Gy$ 16 million in capital funding to expand the drug rehabilitation programme in its effort to accommodate more clients.
Give equal opportunity
“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 programme to include female clients,” he said.
Minister Singh also urged the participants to stay with the programme and to maximise the resources and facilities as part of their recovery.
“I believe substance abuse has distracted you from your intended calling,” said Minister Singh, pointing out that “We need you badly to return to the path on which you have been put on this earth to walk.”
Chief counsellor at the rehabilitation centre Amarnauth Parsad noted that the year has been one of the most successful for the organisation as all of their clients have remained in the programme compared to previous years where a number of them would have left.
He attributed these developments to a combination of factors, including government support, stronger leadership and the ability of the organisation to hire more qualified staff.
