-at 5th Annual Awards for Business Excellence
THE Guyana Business Coalition on HIV/ AIDS (GBCHA) Friday evening recognized the contributions made by the private sector in response to HIV/AIDS in the workplace over the years at its fifth annual award ceremony at the Pegasus Hotel.
Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy, in his address to those gathered, stated that the national pursuit against HIV/AIDS has seen strong support from the business community uniting in the cause of saving lives and allowing people to explore opportunities that life has to offer.
The Guyana Business Coalition was born out of the realisation that the possibilities of determining the future of Guyanese is diminished by a number of impediments, one such being HIV, and the desire to contribute to making the lives of those infected with HIV/AIDS better in Guyana and around the world. To this end, the coalition is dedicated to its efforts until there is a cure for the virus or until HIV infections are no longer a routine infection, said Minister Ramsammy.
He also said that the coalition’s initiatives go beyond reports, and papers, as anyone can see, since they contribute to addressing stigma and discrimination, that is, their initiatives are not like footprints in the sand which will disappear, but will indelibly change the course of history.
Government has intervened when it comes to the HIV fight and changed the course of history, through the education of its citizens, since individuals were of the opinion that HIV was as a result of deviant behaviour, hence there was a period of neglect and devastation before anyone could have paid attention to the families and those living with HIV. It is commendable that after more than a decade of neglect from society, people living with HIV are now able to access attention, care and support that are much needed; however there are thousands more yet to access these services internationally, said Minister Ramsammy.
Minister of Labour,  Manzoor Nadir emphasised that his ministry, knowing and supporting Government’s position on HIV/AIDS, diligently worked to ensure HIV/AIDS programmes were integrated into committees in workplaces, to ensure there is a healthy work force.
The awardees for their outstanding contribution over the past year included Banks DIH, Republic Bank Limited, Edward B. Beharry and Company Limited, Cara Hotels, and Grace Kennedy Remittance Services Limited (Guyana). These companies ensured that their employees participated in the workplace programme on HIV/AIDS where they attended workshops to expand their knowledge on the disease. (GINA)