We need to take HIV/AIDS seriously

12.JUNE.09

Editor: It is with great disgust that I write this article and do hope that the National Aids Program and the Ministry of Health and the Environment will be able to shed some light on the true meaning of a Candle Light Memorial.{{more}}

As I understand, Sunday, May 17th, 2009, was observed as International Candle Light Memorial day. this is an activity that is observed all over the world and is one of the oldest Community Grass root mobilization campaigns with regard to HIV/AIDS.

On Sunday, May 17th, I tuned my radio to a radio station and heard a live broadcast of what was supposed to be a Candle Light Memorial activity. I was in shock as I heard a calypsonian on stage jumping and waving. I thought it was one of the carnival shows…this has truly defeated the true purpose of the Candle Light Memorial. This event is supposed to be solemn and people are supposed to pray for the people living with HIV/AIDS and their families and to remember those who died from the disease. but in this case it was not so. How insensitive could our people be?

The National AIDS programme and the Ministry of Health should say something to the people, especially to the people infected with AIDS. It’s very embarrassing to them. it’s as if HIV/AIDS is a fun thing. We need to take HIV/AIDS extremely seriously. people are dying, children are being left without parents, and here we are in St. Vincent and the Grenadines having fun in the name of HIV/AIDS. HOW DISGUSTING IS THIS?

Why were the churches, the Red Cross, the House of Hope and the PLHIV not involved? Will somebody educate the public on all these concerns? HIV/AIDS is serious business, and we are all part of the solution, so let’s get the facts straight and work together to fight this disease and support the people who are living with AIDS. this is not a one man show, and people should not be so selfish.

Thank you and best regards.

Festus Browne