Support for Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Appeal encouraged by PM

Prime Minister, Mark Phillips Friday encouraged Guyanese to support the Salvation Army’s
Annual Christmas Kettle Appeal, so that the organisation could continue to assist vulnerable
Guyanese. He said that many of them were severely affected by the economic challenges of the
Covid-19 pandemic.
Phillips, who represented President Ali at the launch of the annual fundraising drive at the
Umana Yana, also made the first donation on behalf of the Government, and then on behalf of
his family and himself.

Prime Minister Phillips in his remarks, stressed the importance of the private sector and the
Government developing strong partnerships with the Salvation Army.  As the novel coronavirus
continues to bring unfolding challenges, the pressures will intensify. Strong partnerships,
therefore, become ever more critical at these times as an increase in demand will no doubt weigh
on your existing mandate…as a Government, as businesses and as individuals, we must ensure
that we provide that support so that you can continue to create that powerful arm of care and
assistance in society,” Phillips said.
Phillips congratulated the organisation for its long and outstanding humanitarian service and
lauded its drug rehabilitation programme.
“Your unrelenting efforts that span over 25 years of helping to win the fight against drug abuse
has resulted in hundreds of people regaining their lives and shedding the burden of
addiction…the many stories that can be heard from these and countless other recipients of your
compassionate efforts through all your programmes are a resounding reason for the continued
support of your cause,” the Prime Minister said.
Major Matignol Saint-Lot, Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army, said that the Salvation
Army is seeing an increase in its requests for assistance from vulnerable citizens and thanked the
Government and the corporate community for its current support.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Mr Edward Boyer and several
beneficiaries of the services of the Salvation Army were also at the launch.