Basseterre, St. Kitts (December 27, 2006): Several members of staff of the National AIDS Secretariat were up bright and early with the J'ouvert revelers distributing tools to assist in stopping the spread of HIV.
National AIDS Programme Coordinator Marlene Liburd said that the J'ouvert Morning, December 26, activity of World AIDS Camaign 2006 went well. She said that another member of staff and herself stationed themselves on the Fort Street sidewalk close to Netta's Deli and distributed HIV/AIDS information, promotional material such as bandana's, pouches and bags as well as thousands of condoms. The National AIDS Programme Coordinator said that they did this work from 5:00 a.m. until approximately 1:00 p.m. when most of the revelers had left.~~Adz:Right~~
Ms. Liburd noted that in distributing the items, she also gave advice encouraging J'ouvert revelers to heed the information and if sexually active use the condoms because their lives might be saved. She noted that several persons remarked that they were doing a very important job, so much so that one individual came and joined in the distribution of HIV/AIDS information, material and condoms.
In support of the activities of the National AIDS Secretariat, Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas noted in his 2006 Budget address that his government will "continue the HIV/AIDS Control Project to complement [its] already extensive range of activities aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles. ~~Adz:Left~~
This project is estimated to cost $14.9 million in total." Prime Minister Douglas stated that "HIV/AIDS continues to pose a serious threat to our [St. Kitts and Nevis] populace. Therefore its prevention and control must be a high priority for the government and people of this nation."
World AIDS Campaign 2006 activities included a Press Conference Launch, World AIDS Day Parade, free AJA Concert and presentations in high schools, HIV/AIDS Whistle Stop and a National Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) Day as part of the Health Fair.
