More entertainers join AIDS fight

The committee held a sensitisation workshop entitled “What’s Your Position 2006-2007-A Wave of Hope for HIV” last Wednesday at the Kapok Hotel, St Clair.

Among those present were local soca stars Maximus Dan and Bunji Garlin who are ambassadors of the anti-stigma messages in the “What’s Your Position.”

The campaign also has the support of top local DJs and VJs including Shal Marshal, Radio active, Associate Degree, Excalibur, High Fidelity/Less than Zero and promoters Johnny Soong, Tribe, Village Promotions, Makaveli and West Indian Entertainment, all of whom were present at the launch.

Maximus Dan, one of the entertainers at the forefront of the campaign stated that: “Artistes need to step up and lead by example” and that he is “happy to represent and support this venture.” Shal Marshal, a popular local DJ/VJ, also expressed his passion for being a part of this initiative and called for the implementation of proper sex education in schools in order to increase HIV/AIDS awareness.

The workshop sought to co-ordinate the implementation of HIV and AIDS awareness throughout various sectors of the entertainment industry as well as to re-energise the current ambassadors and to provide the required knowledge and skills on HIV and AIDS to the newest partners in this venture. It is the belief of the NACC that these cultural icons and influential members of the entertainment industry will play a key role in intensifying HIV and AIDS awareness and education among the population. Dr Amery Browne, technical director of the NACC stressed the importance of “breaking the sense of fatalism” that exists among members of our society and stated that “We can do better, we can make a change once we get to the right messengers so that the message can get out.”

He added that the report on the 2005 WYP Campaign revealed that the use of local artistes was the single most effective medium in promoting HIV and AIDS awareness among youth. He said that the NACC’s role is not to tell young people what to do, but to give them a choice by asking them “What’s your position?” He concluded by stating that “AIDS is a reality...this fight is against stigma and discrimination as well as against the spread.”

Also attending the workshop were representatives of the IRO; John Affoon, NACC representatives: Izola Garcia, Communications Management Officer; Angela Lee Loy and Deborah Williams, chairpersons of the NACC.