Jamaica Red Cross to hold World AIDS Day National Dance Competition

On Thursday, November 30, 2006 over 400 Red Cross Links members from across the island will converge on the Carter Hall, 77 Half Way Tree Road between 10am and 2 pm  to commemorate World AIDS Day though a HIV Dance Competition under the theme, “The Promise of Positive Living”.

The aim is to draw attention to the high levels of stigma and discrimination in the society which makes life very difficult for people living with and affected by HIV.

Persons living with HIV and AIDS in Jamaica in many instances are robbed of “inalienable human rights” most Jamaicans take for granted, for example the rights to: Freedom from discrimination; health; equality between men and women; children; privacy, work, education and information; marry and found a family; social security, assistance and welfare; enjoy benefits of scientific progress; and liberty and freedom of movement.

Why a Dance Competition? The Jamaica Red Cross recognises that our young people are skilled in storytelling and use various forms to tell their tales and so, it was decided that a day of dance would not only be educational and informative, but also enjoyable and entertaining.

This competition would be a way of increasing the awareness of young people to the issue of stigma and discrimination against persons living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.

This awareness will help to cultivate an environment which is more understanding and supportive of persons living with and affected by the virus.

In the months leading up to World AIDS Day, Red Cross Links are expected to conduct research into the stigma and discrimination phenomenon which should be a guide for their dance routines.

It is these findings along with the theme that they will use to guide their dance and relate to the audience how stigma and discrimination affect people living with HIV and AIDS.

The event will take place between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.