Salvation Army looks to raise $3M this Xmas
British High Commissioner pushes dialogue
Stabroek News
November 29, 2002
British High Commissioner Stephen Hiscock yesterday urged Guyana’s leaders to recognise that the interests of all of Guyana’s people must be paramount and to accept that dialogue has to be one of the ways forward.
He was at the time delivering an address at the launch of the Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Appeal. This year’s appeal was launched under the theme “Sharing is Caring,” and the Salvation Army is hoping to raise $3M. These proceeds will be used to fund the army’s feeding programmes for street children and the elderly, as well as for 1,000 food hampers which will be given out and for needy children’s parties.
Hiscock said that this year there has been a high level of stress for a vast majority of the citizens of the country where crime, murder and mayhem have regrettably become the focus of many people’s lives.
“As we approach this season of goodwill to all people, let us all take a moment of time to reflect and to do a bit of sharing and caring ourselves”, he said.
Addressing those in attendance, Hiscock reiterated the stance of British Undersecretary of State, Baroness Valerie Amos on her recent visit here, that the people and the Government of the United Kingdom stand ready to assist in any acceptable and sensible way in the processes of reconciliation and reform which are presently being undertaken.
He however maintained that “the process must have Guyanese ownership” and “must come from the widespread support and will of all of the peoples” of the country. He wished the Social Partners and the representatives of the Commonwealth Secretariat success in their efforts to bridge gaps and broker a solution.
