Cayman islanders say 'Yes' to Red Cross pledge to fight HIV

On Saturday, December 1st, the Cayman Islands Red Cross asked the residents of Grand Cayman if they would join the fight against the spread of HIV not only in the Cayman Islands, but also regionally and globally.  Over 700 persons from all ages, nationalities and walks of life answered a resounding “yes!”.

The pledge lists a number of different ways which an individual can assist in the effort to reduce the spread of HIV in the Cayman Islands, from learning more about transmission, to getting tested, to taking a stance against the stigma and discrimination of persons living with HIV and AIDS.

“Everyone can join the fight against the spread of HIV and AIDS, no matter how old or young they are,” states Red Cross Programmes Manager, Carolina Ferreira. 

“A number of very young children came up to our booth at the Santa’s Landing and we asked them to come back with a parent or guardian.  Even if it was just for those two minutes that we got those parents to think about the issue of HIV, then we have already planted a seed and that is one step closer to our goal.”

Residents who took part in the pledge were treated to a special gift courtesy of Youth AIDS/PSI and Aldo’s “See no Evil? Hear no Evil? Speak no Evil?” tag campaign.

“The Youth AIDS and ALDO campaign really focuses on the need for us to be more proactive about the issue of HIV and AIDS,” explains Ferreira.  “The idea behind the campaign is simple but to the point: the more we ignore HIV, the more we pretend we don’t see it or hear about it, the more we refuse to speak about it, the greater problem it will become.”

The campaign, which was created by Youth AIDS/PSI in the United States, features some internationally recognized faces like singers Christina Aguilera, LL Cool J, and Ludacris, actress Charlize Theron, and supermodel Cindy Crawford,  to name a few. 

The tags are normally sold at ALDO stores to raise funds for Youth AIDS’ programmes, but were donated to the Cayman Islands Red Cross’ HIV and AIDS Programme free of cost.

“I really must thank Youth AIDS/PSI and Aldo, and in particular Ms. Alison Brett, for supporting our programme.  The tags were a huge draw, particular amongst the young people and the young at heart,” adds Ms. Ferreira.