Media Releases – Page 23

Faith Leaders in Jamaica unite against HIV Stigma and Gender-Based Violence

Image: Rev. Canon Garth Minott, Chair of the Regional Consultative Steering Committee (The Religious Steering Committee) and PANCAP Champion

The clash of sexual practices with doctrinal values, faith, miracles and the need for scientific proof, psycho-social support for people living with and affected by HIV and stigma reduction as a human rights issue, formed the discussion at the 2019 PANCAP Consultation. The discussion was held on Thursday, 6 June 2019 at the Baha’i Centre, Mountain View Avenue Kingston.

Dereck Springer, Director of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), delivered remarks at the Jamaica Faith Leaders’ event, which is a follow up to a series of national and regional consultations held in 2018 and 2019 as a part of PANCAP’s Justice for All programme.

PANCAP has been holding discussions with Faith Leaders since its inception in 2001, recognizing the key role of religion in the life of Caribbean people. The PANCAP Champions for Change Programme, which started in 2004, identified religious leaders as critical influencers in reducing stigma and discrimination as an essential part of human rights. This 2019 consultation in Jamaica continues the work of creating the faith leaders network in Jamaica with emphasis on their part in ending HIV.

Other speakers included Karlene Temple-Anderson, Grants Manager, Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) and Rev. Canon Garth Minott, Chair of the Regional Consultative Steering Committee (The Religious Steering Committee) and a PANCAP Champion, who presented a report on the Jamaica Faith Leaders Consultations. The report included work by the Muslim, Baha’i and Rastafari Inity communities.

Other Strategic Partnerships included AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION (AHF), UNAIDS, Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL), United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI), International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace and The Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC).

For more information, contact Patricia Phillips on 876-‐801-‐9150 or patriciahopeyphillips@gmail.com

Contact:
Rev. Canon Garth Minott Telephone: 876-‐337-‐7739 Email: g.minott@gmail.com

Faith Leaders Consultation convened in Guyana to discuss ending HIV-related stigma and discrimination

PANCAP convened the Guyana Faith Leaders Consultation, today 3 June 2019 at the CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana. The meeting formed part of a series of regional meetings with faith leaders under the PANCAP Justice for All Programme. Bishop Michael E. Perreira, Senior Pastor Eccles Assembly of God and Member, Regional Consultative (Religious) Steering Committee, chaired the meeting with the support of PANCAP Director Dereck Springer and PANCAP Advisor, Dr Edward Greene.

Outcomes:

Faith leaders agreed to incorporate HIV messages into their faith-based work and planned activities
- Director of PANCAP Dereck Springer challenged the meeting to utilise youth groups/ clubs to propagate messages about ending stigma and discrimination
- He noted that HIV messages could be integrated into the holistic education of youths, especially awareness about other social issues, including teenage pregnancies, illegal drugs, etc.
Faith leaders agreed that stigma and discrimination continue to be significant barriers to vulnerable groups accessing health and that there is an urgent need for more education on the matter.
Bishop Pereira urged faith leaders to take ownership of events and activities to promote HIV awareness and ending stigma and discrimination.
Dr Ronald McGarrell, Inter-Religions Organisation of Guyana (IRO) and Family Federation for World Peace, indicated that the IRO had designated a communications focal point who will be responsible for receiving information on HIV awareness and disseminating the knowledge to all representatives within the IRO.
Faith leaders agreed to work with the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) concerning information and knowledge sharing as well as working in communities to end stigma and discrimination.
Finally, faith leaders reached consensus on working with the IRO on activities developed to sensitise Guyanese on HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

Present were Pastor Orin Bruce, Eccles Assembly of God, Bishop Francis Alleyne, Roman Catholic Church, Rev. Dr Ronald McGarrell, Inter-Religions Organisation of Guyana (IRO) and Family Federation for World Peace, Pandit Chaman Lall Poonai, Arya Samaj in Guyana, Mrs Omadai Prashad, Guyana Oneness University, Bishop Peter Koulen, Guyana United Apostolic Mystical Council, Ras Simeon Selassie, Guyana Rastafari Council, Ras Kahfra, Bishop Chaitram Lall, Assemblies of God, Ms Lorna McPherson, National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Guyana, Pastor Joseph Inniss, World Vision New Testament of God, Rev. Noel Holder, Guyana Congregational Union of Churches (GCU), Mr Telford Layne, Seventh Day Adventist, Father Carl Peters, Anglican Diocese of Guyana, Captain Wilkings Buissereth, The Salvation Army, Ms Lisa Mae Agard, PANCAP Regional Coordinating Mechanism (RCM) for the Global Fund Project and Dr Rhonda Moore, National AIDS Programme Secretariat (Guyana).

PANCAP and Government of Barbados host Parliamentarians Consultation

Wednesday, 29 May 2019 (PANCAP Coordinating Unit, CARICOM Secretariat): The Pan-Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), with funding from the CARIFORUM 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Programme of Support for Wider Caribbean Cooperation, collaborated with the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Barbados and the Barbados National HIV/AIDS Commission to convene a consultation with parliamentarians in Barbados. Dr Jacqueline Wiltshire, Deputy Permanent Secretary (ag), Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs chaired the meeting.

In delivering the Keynote address Hon Cynthia Forde, Minster of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs emphasized that leadership, as well as personal and political courage, were required to deal with the determinants that drive HIV. She reminded the meeting of the political leadership provided by the administration of former Prime Minister Owen Arthur who made HIV a priority by placing it within the Office of the Prime Minister.

Minister Forde challenged all parliamentarians to be involved in a system of governance that is grounded in the social protection of all groups. She stated that her Ministry and the National HIV/AIDS Commission take their mandate seriously and are working assiduously to transform the social landscape for all citizens and to ensure their right to fully participate in all spheres and contribute to social development and evidence-based policy. The Minister emphasised that no one must be left behind and in this regard, her Ministry has taken its responsibility seriously. “Both government and parliamentarians have never made HIV a political issue but instead have funded a multi-sectoral response including services that are offered free of cost to all,” stated Minister Forde. She also observed that parliamentarians and faith leaders do not fathom the extent of their impact on citizens as they are in a privileged position to work collectively to eliminate the scourge of HIV. She called on all parliamentarians to recommit to an AIDS-free Barbados and Caribbean.

Ambassador Daniela Tramacere, Delegation of the European Union to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean Countries, the OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM reminded the meeting that stigma and discrimination are still hampering efforts to reduce new HIV infections, increase the number of persons accessing anti-retroviral treatment and ensure that those who have contracted HIV can live full and productive lives. “The EU has invested approximately Euros 530,000 in PANCAP over two years from October 2017 to August 2019. We believe that our investment can also have a multiplier effect. Through sessions such as this, the message can be amplified to communities across the nation and the region,” stated the Ambassador. The EU Representative shared that through increased engagement and coordination, faith-based collaboration with health officials and political leaders can play a pivotal role in reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS. “Indeed, HIV/AIDS is not an individual issue but one that touches every part of society and our economy. This is our collective problem, and we need to come together to develop a collective solution,” stated Ambassador Tramacere.

Mr Dereck Springer, Director of PANCAP, provided an overview of PANCAP’s engagements with parliamentarians under its Justice for All programme that seeks to affirm human rights and reduce stigma and discrimination. The Director noted that both the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the CARIFORUM 10^th European Development Fund are contributing to PANCAP’s work with parliamentarians geared towards creating a more enabling environment for people living with HIV and key population groups. He reminded the meeting of the crucial role that parliamentarians must play in response to HIV and acknowledged that parliamentarians come from families and society and regularly engage with their constituencies thus enabling them to understand the challenges faced by people living with and affected by HIV. He also highlighted the legislative, representational and oversight roles of parliamentarians.

Dr Anton Best, Senior Medical Officer, Ministry of Health, Barbados delivered a presentation that included an overview of the epidemiology of HIV in Barbados as well as the implementation of Treat All and Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

Dr Frank Anthony, PANCAP Consultant, provided a historical perspective of HIV, the advances being made in relation to the science, presented on the key actions required by parliamentarians in relation to their legislative, representational and oversight roles, and facilitated a discussion on key policy and legislative issues that require changes and which are within the control of parliamentarians.

During the plenary discussion led by Dr Frank Anthony, parliamentarians agreed to establish a Joint Parliamentary Committee to identify priorities for action.

The consultation was also attended by representatives of faith-based organisations, civil society organisations, and UN agencies representatives.

– ENDS –

Contact:

Timothy Austin
Communications Specialist
PANCAP Coordinating Unit
CARICOM Secretariat
Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana
Email: taustin.consultant@caricom.org
Tel: (592) 222-0001-75, Ext. 3409
Website: www.pancap.org

What is PANCAP?

PANCAP is a Caribbean regional partnership of governments, regional civil society organisations, regional institutions and organisations, bilateral and multilateral agencies and contributing donor partners which was established on 14 February 2001. PANCAP provides a structured and unified approach to the Caribbean’s response to the HIV epidemic, coordinates the response through the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS to maximise efficient use of resources and increase impact, mobilises resources and build the capacity of partners.

10th European Development Fund (EDF) Programme of Support for Wider Caribbean Cooperation

Under the 10th (EDF) Programme of Support for Wider Caribbean Cooperation, PANCAP will strengthen coordination on human rights issues in keeping with the Justice For all Roadmap through the HIV and AIDS Thematic Task Force in CARIFORUM.

CARIFORUM

CARIFORUM refers to the Grouping of Caribbean States which are signatories of the Georgetown Agreement establishing the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP). The ACP grouping is composed of 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific states.

CARIFORUM is the recipient of and manages the implementation of Caribbean Regional Indicative Programmes financed by the EDF and Caribbean regional programmes financed by individual Member States of the European Union. It also provides technical assistance to agencies/institutions implementing projects under these programmes.

European Union

The Member States of the European Union have decided to link together their know-how, resources and destinies. Together, they have built a zone of stability, democracy and sustainable development while maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedoms. The European Union is committed to sharing its achievements and its values with countries and peoples beyond its borders’.

Background to the PANCAP Justice for All (JFA) Roadmap

The PANCAP Justice for All (JFA) Programme was established in September 2013 as a regional response to the UN High-Level Political Declaration (June 2011) designed to reduce AIDS-related stigma and discrimination. The objectives of the JFA Roadmap are:

Enhancing family life and focusing on those in need
Increasing access to treatment and affordable medicines
Reducing gender inequality including violence against women, girls and adolescents
Promoting prevention with special reference to sexual and reproductive health and rights including age-appropriate sexual education
Implementing legislative reforms for modifying AIDS-related stigma and discrimination

Barbados Parliamentarians Sensitization Forum

Wednesday 29 May 2019 (PANCAP Coordinating Unit, CARICOM Secretariat): The Pan-Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), with funding from the CARIFORUM 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Programme of Support for Wider Caribbean Cooperation, hosted the Barbados Parliamentarians Sensitization Forum at the Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados on 29 May 2019.

The Forum formed part of a series of engagements with parliamentarians, which commenced in 2013 under the PANCAP Justice for All (JFA) programme. Parliamentarians were involved in defining their legislative, representational and oversight roles to address the barriers toward achieving the UNAIDS 90-90-90 Targets[1], eliminating stigma and discrimination and contributing to the end of AIDS. They discussed pursuing actions with specific timelines and made recommendations for the establishment of a National Parliamentarians Action Group to function as a coordinating mechanism to facilitate communications with and among National Parliamentary Committees.

Parliamentarians also utilised the forum to identify ways to collaborate with other stakeholders in the HIV response, including faith leaders, civil society, youth and Key Populations.

Featured speakers included Hon. Cynthia Y. Forde J.P., L.C.P. Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Barbados, Hon. Gline A. Clarke, J.P., B.Sc., Dip. Ed., Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Barbados, and Mr Dereck Springer, Director of PANCAP.

– ENDS –

What is PANCAP?

10th European Development Fund (EDF) Programme of Support for Wider Caribbean Cooperation

CARIFORUM

European Union

The Member States of the European Union have decided to link together their know-how, resources and destinies. Together, they have built a zone of stability, democracy and sustainable development whilst maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedoms. The European Union is committed to sharing its achievements and its values with countries and peoples beyond its borders’.

Background to the PANCAP Justice for All (JFA) Roadmap

Enhancing family life and focusing on those in need
Increasing access to treatment and affordable medicines
Reducing gender inequality including violence against women, girls and adolescents
Promoting prevention with special reference to sexual and reproductive health and rights including age-appropriate sexual education
Implementing legislative reforms for modifying AIDS-related stigma and discrimination

[1] By 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status,

By 2020, 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy and

By 2020, 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.

Director’s Message – May 2019

At its 41^st Meeting of the Board of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria the Allocation Methodology was approved ahead of the Sixth Replenishment scheduled for October 2019 in France. The Global Fund has set a target of US$14 million. As a member of the Board of the Global Fund, I can attest that this global financing mechanism is one of the most transparent. The Global Fund’s governance has significantly improved over the last few years with the establishment of an Ethics and Governance Committee and the hiring of an Ethics Officer and staff to support his function.

In 2016 the USAID-Johns Hopkins University funded PANCAP Knowledge Health Project was established in response to the challenge faced by the Partnership in relation to a lack of knowledge management (KM) expertise and documentation of case studies and best practices among the PANCAP stakeholders, particularly National AIDS Programme Managers and Civil Society Organizations. Another challenge was limited visibility of PANCAP and its achievements.

Three years into its implementation, the project has had achievements. These include building the capacity of the PANCAP Coordinating Unit staff and PANCAP partners, particularly National AIDS Programme Managers and civil society partners to use knowledge management approaches, document good practices, synthesise, package and share information. Partners are now utilising knowledge management approaches in their work. The PANCAP website was revamped and is now the ‘go to’ website for up to date information on HIV. The PCU now uses various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to reach a wider audience, including youth. Several NAP managers and other ministry of health staff, and civil society representatives from various countries have benefited from the learning exchanges to HIV programmes in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and The Bahamas. The project also established a virtual learning experience through PANCAP webinars focused on 90-90-90, Treat All, innovative prevention strategies and sustainability. A Knowledge Management Working Group has been established to encourage and support a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing across the region. The work of the Partnership is now very visible and has contributed to increased ownership and appreciation of the added value of PANCAP countries and the region.

While the Johns Hopkins support to PANCAP ends in September, the PANCAP Knowledge for Health Project will continue with funding from PEPFAR-USAID. The responsibility for the management and coordination of the Knowledge for Health Project will now fully reside with the PANCAP Coordinating Unit. This development demonstrates that Johns Hopkins University has successfully built the PCU’s capacity to sustain knowledge management within the Partnership.

I wish to thank Johns Hopkins Knowledge for Health Project team for their technical guidance and for building our capacity to fully serve as the knowledge hub, and for transforming our website and communication. We are appreciative of PEPFAR’s commitment to supporting our knowledge management function. I am particularly pleased with the performance of the two knowledge management staff, Dr Shanti Singh-Anthony, Knowledge Coordinator and Mr Timothy Austin, Communications Specialist. They have the confidence of the Partnership and continue to provide knowledge management support and share their expertise with the Partnership.

Countries move towards the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Chagas disease

Washington, DC, May 2019 (PAHO) – Countries are moving towards the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and Chagas, but progress has been uneven, according to a new report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

The report “New generations free of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and Chagas disease in the Americas 2018”, which compiles data from 52 countries and territories in the Americas, shows that since 2010, 30,800 children were born without HIV thanks to interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

“Significant progress has been made towards ensuring a generation free from AIDS and syphilis, and now efforts are also being made to stop children from being born with hepatitis B and Chagas,” said PAHO Director, Carissa F. Etienne. “We must intensify and integrate the response and expand access to health services if we want to end transmission of these four diseases,” she added.

In 2017, 20 countries and territories of the Americas reported data indicating the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, seven of which received validation from WHO. However, it is estimated that each year, 3500 children are either born with HIV or contract HIV from their mothers in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In the Region, 73% of pregnant women underwent at least one HIV test, 73% of those that tested positive went on to access treatment. This is an increase from 2010 but still lower than the 95% testing and treatment goal.

Increase in cases of congenital syphilis

According to the new report, in 2017, 15 countries also reported data indicating the elimination of congenital syphilis, seven of which received validation from WHO. However, the report also shows that cases of congenital syphilis are on the rise. In 2017, 37 countries reported more than 28,800 cases, 22% more than in 2016, although 85% of reported cases are concentrated in just one country in the Region.

The report also shows other unequal results. While the screening of pregnant women for syphilis has decreased, the treatment of those who have had the test and are found to be positive has increased.

Vaccination, key to preventing hepatitis B

The countries of the Americas have vaccinated against hepatitis B for more than 20 years. This has enabled the Region to achieve the goal of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of this disease (estimated regional prevalence of hepatitis B in children aged 5 years of 0.1%). Individually, it is estimated that several countries have also achieved this goal.

However, it is estimated that 6000 children contract the hepatitis B virus each year in the Region. In order to prevent this, PAHO recommends giving four doses of the vaccine to all children under the age of 1, the first one during the first 24 hours of life, which is a key time for preventing transmission.

In 2017, vaccination coverage with the third dose for children under the age of 1 was 87% and 25 countries and territories introduced the vaccine dose during the first 24 hours after birth to all newborns. This latter coverage increased from 61% in 2010 to 76% in 2017. Efforts are needed to continue increasing hepatitis B vaccination coverage in children.

Vertical transmission of Chagas accounts for 20% of new cases

It is estimated that each year, around 9000 babies are born with Chagas disease in Latin America and the Caribbean, accounting for more than 20% of all new cases in the Region. However, in 2017 countries notified PAHO of just 280 new cases, which highlights the urgent need to improve detection and notification systems.

The screening of Chagas disease in pregnant women also varies significantly, from 7% to 55% in the few countries that report data. The PAHO elimination initiative establishes the goal of testing at least 90% of pregnant women and newborns of HIV-positive mothers.

“Eliminating mother-to-child transmission of these four diseases presents a huge challenge”, said Dr Marcos Espinal, Director of the Department of Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health at PAHO. “However, implementing an integrated approach in addressing this issue is an opportunity to ensure that advances towards elimination are equitable,” he added.

The new PAHO report is the first to address the four diseases together, following the 2014 renewal of a commitment made in 2010 by Ministers of Health in the Region, to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, which was then expanded to include the other two diseases.

In order to support its Member States in achieving this, in 2017, PAHO launched the Framework for the Elimination of Mother-to-child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis and Chagas Disease (ETMI-PLUS). This is a roadmap outlining strategies and interventions aimed at women before and during pregnancy, as well as for postpartum women and their newborns, in a Region with 15 million pregnant women per year and a high rate of prenatal care, but where inequalities in access to health persist, and lost opportunities remain, between and within countries.

Helpful Link:

Report – New generations free of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and Chagas disease in the Americas 2018

JN+ welcomes new Programme Manager, Dane Lewis

The Jamaican Network of Seropositives (JN+) welcomes Dane Lewis to their mission of advocating for People living with and affected by HIV. Dane will serve the organisation in the capacity of Programme Manager.

He previously served as Regional Programme Manager at CariFLAGS and is the former Executive Director of JFLAG, Jamaica’s premier human rights and social justice advocacy organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons from 2008 – 2018.

In his capacity as Programme Manager, Dane intends to improve JN+’s peer-to-peer support strategies as a means of reducing the number of Jamaicans diagnosed with HIV who are not on treatment.

Barbadians have generally positive attitudes towards HIV-positive persons – KABP Survey

The National HIV/AIDS Commission (NHAC) Barbados launched its latest report on HIV knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and sexual practices (KABP) survey.

The NHAC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, conducted the KABP survey to assess risks associated with acquiring HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among individuals ages 15 to 49 from January 2016 – November 2017.

The survey also aimed to determine the risk reduction practices and the health-seeking behaviours of individuals regarding HIV and STIs.

The analysis revealed relatively high levels of HIV knowledge, moderate levels of STI knowledge, low HIV testing uptake among the general population, high levels of inconsistent condom use particularly with regular partners and existence of multi-partnering.

HIV-related stigma and discrimination

There were generally positive attitudes towards People living with HIV with at least 8 in 10 persons being willing to care for a sick family member in their household, support the presence of HIV+ teachers and students in the school environment provided they were not ill and work alongside a co-worker living with HIV. Respondents also stated that they would visit the home of a community member who has HIV and socialise with an HIV-positive community member.

Conversely, about 44.0% had no desire to conceal the HIV+ status of a family member while roughly 1 in 3 persons was willing to buy food from an HIV positive person. About 1 in 4 persons felt that landlords and co-workers should be informed of the HIV positive status of tenants and workmates, respectively.

Download or view the full analysis here.

New US Ambassador and SASOD Guyana Celebrate recent LGBTQ+ victories

Image: US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch (second from left) delivers opening remarks while US Deputy Chief of Mission Terry Steers-Gonzalez (left), First Lady Sandra Granger (second from right) and SASOD Guyana’s Managing Director Joel Simpson (right) listen from the stage.

In observance of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) on May 17, the United States Embassy in collaboration with Guyana’s Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD Guyana) hosted a reception at Aura Sky Lounge, Pegasus Hotel Guyana, on Wednesday, 15 May, 2019, to celebrate recent victories.

Guyana’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) movement has had some small triumphs over the past year. Guyana was the first country in the English-speaking Caribbean to host a Pride Parade in early June last year. And then in November, the Caribbean Court of Justice, Guyana’s highest court, delivered a landmark decision declaring a colonial-era law against ´cross-dressing’ unconstitutional and striking it down.

On World Day for Social Justice on 20 February this year, SASOD Guyana closed its first phase of two-day training workshops where 153 police officers from all across the country were trained in Gender, Sexuality and Human Rights.

In her opening remakes Her Excellency Sarah-Ann Lynch, US Ambassador to Guyana, posited, “In Guyana and many other parts of the world, members of the LGBT community have sometimes faced violence, harassment, intimidation and disregard of their basic human rights. More troubling is the fact that despite being signatories to the many United Nations human rights agreements, many governments still seem far from establishing real legal protections for members of the LGBT community.” “[However,] Gay rights are human rights [and] If we as a society are committed to ensuring that all people are respected and treated equally, then it is imperative to remember that this includes the LGBT community as well. Justice and protection must be for all.”

The Ambassador commended SASOD Guyana for leading the effort to bring about judicial and legislative change to ensure justice and protection for all Guyanese. “We are encouraged by the small triumphs for the gay community in Guyana recently,” Ambassador Lynch added. “The Government of Guyana has signalled a softer tone towards the LGBT community, permitting the first gay pride parade in June 2018.

We commend the government for its support. And last November, the Government said that it respects the Caribbean Court of Justice’s landmark decision that found that the Guyanese law against cross-dressing was unconstitutional. These are slow but promising changes in attitude at the national level,” Ambassador Lynch remarked.

Speaking on behalf of SASOD Guyana, Managing Director Joel Simpson echoed Ambassador Lynch that IDAHOTB 2019 was a moment for Guyana to celebrate the recent LGBTQ+ victories. Simpson, however, noted that the struggle for non-discrimination and equality still continues as LGBTQ+ Guyanese face violence and discrimination in every sector of their lives. He reminded the gathering that Guyana’s laws still criminalize same-sex intimacy between consenting adult men and that colonial-era “small crimes” like vagrancy and loitering target “the poorest of the poor” in society.

Simpson mentioned the social and economic challenges that LGBTQ+ persons face accessing public transportation, education, healthcare and work in the formal economy. He noted that the IDAHOTB 2019 theme which is “Justice and Protection for All” is timely as SASOD Guyana is proposing a simple amendment to the Prevention of Discrimination Act 1997 to include sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as categories of protection from discrimination.

While alerting the gathering that the 1997 Act only deals with discrimination in relation to the right to work, Simpson posited that just adding those three terms would be an important first step in providing legislative protection from discrimination for LGBTQ+ Guyanese who face social and institutional discrimination and have no specific recourse under the law.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley commends NHAC Barbados on innovation in HIV Education

Image: Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley meeting employees of the National HIV/AIDS Commission (NHAC) Barbados

Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley commended employees of the National HIV/AIDS Commission (NHAC) Barbados on their innovative educational tools during the Barbados Labour Day observance (1 May), which acknowledges the contributions of workers on the island.

The Prime Minister was impressed with the popular interactive game, “UPS AND DOWNS”, which was created by the NHAC as an HIV educational tool for Barbadians of all ages.

The Prime Minister visited the NHAC booth and interacted with several members of staff who were conducting HIV awareness and education with colleagues of the Barbados Workers’ Union and the International Labour Movement.

The NHAC also utilised the opportunity to extend its reach with condom distribution and demonstrations. Use of the female condom was emphasized to foster more awareness.

The Prime Minister recommended registering a patent for the digital educational tool and challenged NHAC employees to develop more interactive games and software for HIV education.