'Faces' launched in Belize with awareness champions and theme song

“This battle of HIV and AIDS does not belong to the National AIDS Commission only, or the Ministry of Health or the Belize Red Cross. This battle belongs to each of us.”

So said Ms Lily Bowman, Director General of the Belize Red Cross (BRC), at the August 30 official launch of the ‘Nobody had the truth written on their face. Protect Yourself. Use a Condom’, campaign, known more simply as the ‘Faces’ campaign. The launch was held at the Belize Institute of Management, Belize City.

BRC President Mrs. Karen Diaz gave a warm welcome to all and spoke briefly on HIV and AIDS in Belize since its first diagnosed case in 1986. Mrs. Diaz also spoke of the increase in HIV infections in Belize over the last three years with the 15-44 age group being the most affected.

She noted how encouraging her two teenage sons were when they saw her “Faces” tee-shirt, and feels this campaign will reach its target audience and the impact will be tremendous.

Ms Bowman then made her presentation, giving the overview, project objectives, strategies and goals of the campaign. Ms. Bowman delved into the importance of social mobilization, consistency of the project strategies and staying on course to meet the project goals.

A concentrated focus on the message, as well as where the idea and design came from, was also addressed.

The Director General then officially unveiled the four faces used to reflect the lifestyle choices of heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual men and women. The pulsative rhythm of the ‘Faces’ theme song was simultaneously introduced.

Two invited guests then spoke at the podium. Ambassador Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Chairperson of the National Aids Commission, spoke about the situation of HIV and AIDS in Belize, the importance of strategic policies, and the need to fight stigma and discrimination. “We are in a war with HIV and AIDS and I know that Belize can win this war”, she remarked.        

Mr. Allen Garbutt, who has been living with HIV and AIDS for the past ten years, brought home the message of HIV and AIDS through his real and heartfelt testimonial.

He stressed how pivotal the promotion of the ‘Abstinence, Be Faithful and Use a Condom’ approach is, for young people who are sexually active.

Social communication is one of the most powerful tools that exist in the prevention of HIV and AIDS. It represents a key strategy in order to make information accessible to young people. 

With this in mind, the Belize ‘Faces’ campaign has identified four “awareness champions” to promote the campaign message: radio personality Edith Tesecum; youth activist and BRC First Aid coordinator Stephanie Young; popular DJ, Orson Picart and music artist Lensford Martinez a.k.a Supa G.

Tesecum, who also acted as emcee at the launch, spoke about the significance of the role of awareness champion, and how honored she is to be chosen. 

The champions were asked to commit to the campaign’s awareness quote: “We in the Caribbean are fighting back as never before against the spread of HIV and AIDS having learnt one important lesson – HIV and AIDS eradication begins with each of us. Remember, Nobody has the truth written on their face. Protect yourself. Use a condom.”

Melina Diaz, newly-appointed Together We Can (TWC) project coordinator, delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of Belize Red Cross. 

Special appreciation was expressed to partners and stakeholders such as the Belize Telecommunications Limited, the Belize Electricity Limited, the Belize City Council, the International Federation of the Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies and UNICEF.

The media was also thanked for their pivotal role in channeling vital information on the fight against HIV and AIDS. As a token of appreciation, the TWC staff presented media representatives with packages containing ‘Faces’ campaign promotional items.

To end the launch, guests were invited to give their endorsement by signing posters of the four faces.