Caribbean coalition lauds community leaders for World AIDS Day

The Caribbean Communities Coalition (CVC) yesterday observed World AIDS Day by recognising the leadership of some its members of the vulnerable communities in keeping who risk stigma and discrimination by taking a stand for their community.

The group in a release commended those leaders for their bravery and commitment to a world without AIDS and a Caribbean where social justice in a reality.

Twenty-four-year-old Elias Ramos of the Dominican Republic, the leader of Youth in the Real World that targets marginalised youth to increase their resilience to HIV, was recognised for his work. The young man believes that an effective response takes more than disease specific interventions and includes broader development strategies.

For her work with crack and cocaine users Lonie Whorms in Kingston, Jamaica was hailed as her work is built on the conviction that she does not want anyone else to go through what she went through while addicted to crack and cocaine. Her work sees her taking meals to those who are homeless to transporting others to health centres and also by being part of a civil society response to substance use and advocating for policy change.