The Guyana Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GBCHA) on June 24 recognised the contributions made by the private sector in response to HIV/ AIDS in the workplace over the years at its fifth Annual Awards Ceremony held at the Pegasus Hotel.
Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy, in his address to the gathering, stated that the national pursuit against HIV/AIDS has seen strong support from the business community, uniting in the cause of saving lives and allowing people to explore opportunities that life has to offer.
Labour Minister Manzoor Nadir presents award to a Banks DIH representative for the large category company
The Guyana Business Coalition was born out of the realisation that the possibilities of determining the future of Guyanese are diminished by a number of impediments, one such being HIV and the desire to contribute to making the lives of those infected with HIV/AIDS better in Guyana and around the world. To this end, the coalition is dedicated to its efforts until there is a cure for the virus or until HIV infections are no longer a routine infection, Minister Ramsammy said.
The Government Information Agency (GINA) quoted the minister as saying that the coalition’s initiatives go beyond reports and papers and what anyone can see, since they contribute to addressing stigma and discrimination, that is: their initiatives are not like footprints in the sand, which will disappear, but will inevitably change the course of history.
“Government has intervened when it comes to the HIV fight and changed the course of history through the education of its citizens, since individuals were of the opinion that HIV was as a result of deviant behavior, hence there was a period of neglect and devastation before anyone could have paid attention to the families and those living with HIV.” He noted that it is commendable that after more than a decade of neglect from society, people living with HIV are able to access attention, care and support that are much needed.
Labour Minister Manzoor Nadir emphasised that the ministry, knowing and supporting government’s position on HIV/AIDS, diligently worked to ensure HIV/AIDS programmes were integrated into committees in the workplaces, to ensure there is a healthy work force.
The awardees for outstanding contribution over the past year included Republic Bank Limited, Edward B Beharry and Company Limited, Cara Hotels, and Grace Kennedy Remittance Services Limited (Guyana). These companies ensured that their employees participated in the workplace programme on HIV/ AIDS, where they attended workshops to expand their knowledge on the disease.
