SVG Police Force joins fight against HIV/AIDS

The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is joining the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“The police is an itinerant body. Many officers move from community to community, so it is important that we teach responsible behaviour,” said Superintendent Artis Davis, who is the focal point for the police force on AIDS awareness related activities.{{more}}

Davis spoke to SEARCHLIGHT last Tuesday at the National Emergency Management Organization’s conference room where, in collaboration with the AIDS Secretariat, one of a series of workshops on AIDS awareness in the police force was being held.

Last Tuesday’s workshop with the members of the police band was the third in the series. Workshops have already been held with senior police officers, front line supervisors, and on Wednesday, one should have been held with Coast Guard personnel.

“The response has been good. The officers have been receiving the information well,” Davis said.

This was evident when SEARCHLIGHT dropped into the workshop and saw the officers listening very attentively and actively participating in the workshop; whether by practicing the correct method of putting on a condom, or by shooting questions at the AIDS secretariat representatives.

Davis said that the police will also be hosting a calypso competition on November 28 at Heritage Square, which will focus on HIV/AIDS.

“We are hoping to further sensitize people about the seriousness of AIDS,” Davis said. (KJ)