Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 08th, 2011 (SKNIS): Residents of St. Kitts and Nevis who participate in this year’s National Testing Day (Friday, December 16) in Independence Square can win a Blackberry smart phone thanks to the community spirit of the telecommunications firm LIME.
The National Testing Day which runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., will see trained Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Providers giving advice before and after HIV testing.
National AIDS Coordinator Gardenia Destang-Richardson revealed to the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service that LIME has supported the National Testing Day since 2005 in addition to other activities of the National AIDS Secretariat.
She noted that they have provided cell phone top-ups that have been used at National Testing Days, Community Testing Days and Whistle Stops around St. Kitts. She explained that in order to be eligible for this year’s Blackberry smart phone offer, persons attending the National Testing Day have to get tested, return for their test results and also text the letters “BB” to 9696 by December 21.
The raffle drawing takes place December 22 and the winner will be announced. Persons who return for their same day test results, provided by the Government Laboratory at the Joseph N. France General Hospital, will also receive a LIME $5.00 top-up.
Darien Belle LIME Marketing Manager, explained why his corporation has been involved in the HIV/AIDS cause over the years.
“HIV/AIDS is definitely something that can’t be overlooked in St. Kitts and Nevis as well as the wider Caribbean because of the devastating impact it has on the family structure,” Belle stated. “We are extremely proud to be associated with the National AIDS Secretariat because it is one of the main groups in the forefront of the fight against the spread of HIV.
So as we have done in the past, we are partnering with them to drum up support for their efforts in getting as many people tested as possible. I would also like to encourage everyone to get tested and know your status.”
Along similar lines, Mrs. Destang-Richardson expressed pleasure with persons who regularly get tested at the Ministry of Health’s Testing Days, but also took the opportunity to appeal to persons who have not tested previously.
“I encourage all persons to take responsibility for your lifestyle choices and come out and know your status,” Mrs. Destang-Richardson emphasized. “You may be able to save the life of yourself and your partner. If perchance you happen to test positive, HIV is not a death sentence and with the appropriate treatment, which you can get free from the Ministry of Health, you can live an active and productive life.
This concept of looking out for each other falls in line with the caring and compassionate aspect of this year’s theme ‘It takes a Village to fight HIV/AIDS’.”
Additional upcoming activities include the Whistle Stop on Monday, December 12 which involves a procession of vehicles going Eastward around St. Kitts, occasionally stopping to educate and distribute HIV/AIDS information and promotional material.
Monday, December 12 is also the date for the airing of the HIV/AIDS Talk Show on ZIZ Television at 7:30 p.m. January13, 2012 will see the distribution and sale of calendars depicting the artwork of Grades 5 and 6 students.
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