Georgetown, GINA, February 25, 2004

His Royal Highness, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York today unveiled a plaque at the Salvation Army Drug Rehabilitation Centre at Water Street, Kingston, to mark his historic visit to the organisation.
Prior to the unveiling, the Prince greeted clients of the drug rehab programme, and was given a brief history by the Army’s Commander about the ongoing reform work of the group under its drug rehabilitation programme.
In brief remarks, His Royal Highness thanked the ranks of the Salvation Army for inviting him to the centre, and he commended them for their “remarkable programme” and wished them well in their continuing endeavours.
Turning his attention to the rehab clients, Prince Andrew encouraged them to “complete and stay their course,” which will result in their personal benefit and that of the country.
Divisional Commander of the Guyana Salvation Army headquarters, Major Sinous Theodore, thanked Prince Andrew for his visit to the centre, which he deemed “an honour,” being the first from a member of the Royal family.
Major Theodore also lauded the efforts of the British High Commissioner in depicting “leadership” in Guyana, and the assistance granted to the work of the rehabilitation programme.
In an invited comment, Major Theodore said that in September 2003, the drug rehab centre received 10,000 pounds sterling in funding assistance from the British Government. This sum provided for the accommodation and recovery of an initial five clients, and was able to offset costs for another ten recovering patients.
In addition, the Salvation Army received a further 1000 pounds sterling from the British Government for the purchase of gym equipment. He pointed out that some 21 clients are currently on roll at the centre, which has the capacity to accommodate up to 24 clients.
The Kingston drug rehab centre was opened in 1996, and has since provided a haven for social and spiritual recovery of approximately 330 clients. An estimated 40 percent of these clients have reintegrated into society and are “doing well,” according to the Divisional Commander.
He added that 45 persons benefit from the drug rehab centre’s programme annually.