There has been a call for more churches in Anguilla to join in the battle against HIV/AIDS. This relates in particular to stigma and discrimination against infected persons, the need for medical care for them, and the urgency to stop the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases.
The main call has come from Chief Minister and Minister responsible for Health, Mr Hubert Hughes. He was at the time speaking at the launch by the Anguilla Community Action Network (ACAN) of Phase 2 of Project ‘HOPE’, acronym for Helping Our People Elevate. The event, attended by various church representatives on Sunday, September 28, was at the No Walls Church of Hope at The Farrington, where Pastor James Harrigan welcomed everyone.
Mr Hughes prefaced his remarks by commenting on the global work of the Pan American Health Organisation to strengthen HIV/AIDS prevention strategies, human rights protection and health care. “This, I believe, illustrates the importance of why we are here today at the launch of the second phase of Project HOPE by the Anguilla Community Action Network, and particularly Mr John C Lake [founder] who is doing a tremendous job,” he said.
The Chief Minister, who expressed the hope that more churches would become involved, was appreciative of the participation of all the current faith-based and community groups, and the Anguilla Government, in Project HOPE. “The leadership role being exhibited by ACAN is commendable,” he stated. “I particularly want to encourage our church leaders, those present today, and others not here, to take an active role in the national response to HIV/AIDS. The Church has been in the vanguard of society for centuries in this island’s and I think it is the greatest stabilising force in Anguilla. It will take a national response if we are to be successful in helping our people.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Jerome Roberts, in whose Ministry the Gender Affairs Unit, led by Dr Ronya Foy-Connor, has a close-working relationship with ACAN.
Mrs Kim Cutler, Projects Officer at the Governor’s Office which is providing financial support for Project HOPE, said that office was pleased to be part of the launch of Phase 2. She announced that new funding, in the area of several thousand US dollars, would be granted to help Project HOPE with various activities. These would include HIV testing, a workshop in collaboration with the Gender Affairs Unit as well as training for faith-based leaders. All activities are aimed at combating the stigma and discrimination surrounding persons infected with HIV/AIDS.
ACAN’s Founder, Mr John Lake, and Director, Mrs Donnette Richardson, also called for the involvement of churches and community groups in the battle against HIV/AIDS.
Other speakers were Apostle Elmead Allen who was pleased that church, state and the community were working together in the fight against the disease; and Ms Tricia Richardson, a member of ACAN who gave the Vote of Thanks.
The mission of ACAN is aimed at educating and supporting persons infected with HIV/AIDS by eliminating stigma and discrimination in the communities through advocacy, education, empowerment and integration, while working to stop the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases. ACAN is ensuring that infected persons in Anguilla have proper access to medical treatment and live in an environment free of isolation, stigma and discrimination.
