Condom gown – a powerful message

26.JUNE.09

Editor: Kindly allow me to publicly congratulate Ms. Roseclair Charles, a daughter of our soil, on a job well done. Ms Charles left our shores in 1997 for the Motherland to take up an assignment with the United Nations and has made a name for herself and our country in the West African country of Gambia and other African countries where she worked with People living with AIDS for the past 11 years.{{more}}

I recently learnt that Ms. Charles is back in our blessed beautiful country, is attached to the National AIDS Secretariat, and has been sharing so much with us. This was witnessed on Sunday, June 7th, when SVG had its first bridal show and Vincentians were able to see live and direct a beautiful gown made entirely from expired condoms, a brilliant idea of Ms. Charles, and made by her daughter Radey, with assistance from a few staff members.

I personally have seen pictures of condom gowns/safe sex dresses on the Internet and was always amazed; never did I think I would see it live here in SVG. Everyone who attended the bridal show was amazed. Some persons had to actually touch the gown to believe it was made from condoms (GOOD WORK RADEY, you are following in your mom’s footsteps, keep it up). I wish our young people will take example from this and do meaningful things instead of being idle and getting into unnecessary trouble.

It’s such a good feeling when Vincentians in the Diaspora come home and give back. We all know that HIV is affecting many of our people, especially the younger ones, and we need to find new ways and means to educate the public. I am sure that people will always remember that condom gown, and like the mannequin (she was fully protected), they will protect themselves from HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases. It was a very powerful message, and well received.

Once again, BRAVO, Roseclair. We look forward to seeing more of your skills and experiences. This is what Vincy Homecoming is all about….WELCOME HOME!!! It is my wish that the Ministry of Health will try by all means to keep you home.

Seon Williams