– urges that model be followed to deal with chronic illnesses

A NUMBER of companies and individuals were awarded for programmes conducted in workplaces and communities which address HIV and other health and wellness issues like cancer, tuberculosis (TB), healthy diets and gender-based violence when the Guyana Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GBCHA) hosted its Awards for Business Excellence at the Pegasus Hotel on Friday, August 29, 2014.

The annual event is organised by GBCHA to promote the unique and vital contributions made towards health and wellness by the Business Community.

According to a press release, the awards were presented as follows:
* Edward B. Beharry & Company Ltd for the Workplace Programme and Rohini Ramkumar for the company’s Peer Educator Programme.
* Guyana Revenue Authority’s Jaunelle Marks received honourable mention in the Peer Educator Category.
* Scotiabank received two awards for the Community Investment and Workplace Programme Categories.
* Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited’s Jannis London and Richard Pitman of Radio Guyana Inc were honoured for Advocacy & Leadership and Media Action respectively.
* Other companies which received commendation were Ansa McAl, Kings Jewellery World and New GPC.

Dr. Nicole Giles, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana praised the work of the GBCHA in the fight against HIV/AIDS and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

“I have come to respect and admire GBCHA’s mission and dedication to support the national programme to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS, and have been impressed by their innovative approach to a complex issue,” Dr. Giles said.

She also highlighted the continued support given by Canadian-based companies like Scotiabank, Guyana Goldfields and Guyana Lottery Company in community investment efforts.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, Minister of Health, also commended the GBCHA for the successes achieved through its “strategic partnerships” and challenged that the model should be followed to deal with chronic illnesses. Dr. Ramsaran encouraged partners to join the efforts of the Coalition and emphasised the need for the organisation to continue to reach out to the Ministry of Health as GBCHA broadens its mandate.

Also present at the event were Ms. Jennifer Webster, Minister of Human Services and Social Security; Mr. Brian Hunt, Charge D’Affaires, US Embassy; Dr. Yoran Green, CDC; Mr. Dereck Springer, PANCAP and other international and local partners.
Veteran broadcaster and Executive Director, Merundoi, Ms. Margaret Lawerence chaired the programme and patrons were entertained by Classique Dance Company and Ms. Candace Fields.

(Shirley Thomas)