| |
Tuesday, August 3, 2004 - (CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana)
Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Head with
responsibility for Health and HIV/AIDS, Dr. the Honourable Denzil Douglas has
charged CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYA) at a workshop in St. Kitts and Nevis to
become effective change agents in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Addressing the youths on the final day of their four-day strategic planning
workshop at Bird Rock, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas stressed
the need for a strategic coordinated and sustained approach to combating the
dreaded disease, noting that HIV/AIDS is prevalent among young people.
The St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister acknowledged the vital role of the youth
ambassadors in the fight against the pandemic, and pointed out that despite the
wide dissemination of information on the nature and impact of the disease on the
individual and society, there continues to be an increase in the incidence and
spread of the virus.
Dr. the Hon Douglas said, “Few countries now consider HIV/AIDS as only a health
issue. Instead, the pandemic is now regarded as a risk to national and regional
development because of the serious challenges it poses to sustaining economic
activity and attracting human and financial resources.” He emphasized the need
for increased access to care and greater involvement of all in spreading the
message of HIV/AIDS prevention.
Noting that HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death in the15-44 age group, the
Prime Minister urged the young leaders to become vigorous advocates particularly
if they are to influence their peers. He reiterated that they must be part of
the planning and implementing of any initiative that is geared towards stemming
the spread of the virus-“we must act today, and [act] together. Everyone must
commit to positive action,” he said.
It is hoped that at the end of the workshop, Youth Ambassadors along with their
fellow youth from other networks and organizations, will develop a plan of
action to enhance their capacity towards making a difference in the control and
reduction of the spread of the disease.
Prime Minister Douglas assured the delegates that St Kitts and Nevis would play
its role in building effective youth mechanisms to assist with lessening the
impact of HIV/AIDS.
Contact : The Communication Unit
Tel : 592-2269281-9 or
225-7758/227/4720
Email :
carisec3@caricom.org or
carisec4@caricom.org
|
