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Rededication of William Chamberlain Drug Rehabilitation Centre, Jamaica
DONORS and dignitaries gathered in William Chamberlain hall, Kingston, Jamaica, on Thursday 30 June 2011 to give thanks to God at the rededication of a Salvation Army building designed to house men being rehabilitated from drug dependency.
Among those present were the British and Canadian High Commissioners, Salvation Army officers from the Caribbean, the USA and India, the Hon Dr Peter Phillips (local member of parliament), representatives of the Government of Jamaica and of Scotiabank.
Click on the photos to enlarge and to read captions
A Scotiabank video presentation titled The Teller gave a clear understanding of how The Salvation Army, through the work at the William Chamberlain Centre, seeks to help men in need.
Four stakeholders spoke of their delight to participate in such a worthwhile project: His Excellency Howard Drake (British High Commissioner);
His Excellency Stephen Hallihan (Canadian High Commissioner) and his wife, Cathy; Ms Sherianne Gray of the Ministry of National Security; and
Mrs Joylene Griffiths-Irving from Scotiabank Group.
Lieut-Colonel Lindsay Rowe, Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army's Caribbean Territory, welcomed all present and introduced the Territorial Commander, Colonel Onal Castor, who in turn introduced the visiting International Secretary for the Americas and Carribean, Commissioner Larry Bosh, and Commissioner Gillian Bosh (Zonal Secretary for Women's Ministries).
‘Change’ was the thread that ran through the speeches of those bringing greetings. This was further highlighted in a saxophone solo, ‘People Need the Lord’, played by a young Salvationist.
Having brought greetings from General Linda Bond, Commissioner Larry Bosh went on to say that the centre was the end of a process and the beginning of a dream fulfilled. The commissioner referred to the donors gathered as an 'answer to prayer'. He then dedicated the centre to the glory of God and the welfare of the hurting. 'The persons who come to the centre should leave better than they came,' he said.
Commissioner Gillian Bosh offered a dedicatory prayer.
Captain Derick Miller, administrator of the centre, conducted a tour of the facilities. He explained that carpentry, upholstery, welding, small electrical appliance repairs and computer repairs are taught at the centre and showed the visitors and guests mattresses and other furniture made by the residents.
A monthly family support session educates family members and provides counselling in several areas, including how to live with a recovering addict and recognising possible relapse behaviour.
The centre includes accommodation for 20 residents but will offer service to out-patients who have gone through the programme and return for weekly therapy.
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