DECEMBER 2005 — The U.S. Ambassador to Guyana hosted business leaders, cabinet members, health officials and NGO representatives at a Dec. 18 dinner in Georgetown, Guyana, to honor the first 20 organizations participating in a workplace HIV prevention initiative sponsored by the USAID/Guyana HIV/AIDS Reduction Project (GHARP).
In his remarks to the gathering at the Hotel Le Meridien Pegasus, Ambassador Roland Bullen spoke of the importance of building such partnerships with business leaders.
"These leaders possess detailed knowledge of the needs and strengths of the community, said the ambassador. "The private sector partnership program focuses on the workplace as a focal point for education and training targeted at the reduction and prevention of HIV/AIDS and stigma and discrimination."
Funded by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief through the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID/GHARP's private sector initiatives have helped companies launch AIDS education activities for workers and develop antidiscriminatory policies that protect employees with HIV and discourage stigmatization in the workplace. An estimated 9,000 Guyanese workers will benefit from the program this year. In return, partners have sponsored USAID/GHARP events and media campaigns and supported efforts to assist people living with HIV/AIDS, orphans and vulnerable children in their communities.
Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy applauded the commitment of the participating companies and the crucial role that the private sector plays in national efforts to fight AIDS.
"Businesses are known for the dedicated application of energy and expertise to building success, sometimes from virtually nothing," said Dr. Ramsammy. "This partnership with the business community is an imperative in the fight, it's not an option."
Other speakers at the dinner included Caribbean playwright Trevor Rhone, who delivered the feature address, USAID/GHARP Chief of Party Kwame Asiedu; private sector partnership manager Derrick Cummings; and private sector advisor Sylvia Delafield.
During the celebration, the 20 firms and business associations being honored signed formal memoranda of cooperation with USAID/GHARP. The participants cover a wide spectrum of industries, including shipping, mining, forestry, manufacturing and small family businesses. They include Gafsons Industries Ltd., Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, Demerara Oxygen Company, Citizens Bank, DIDCO Trading, Linden Economic Advancement Programme, Kayman Sankar and Company Ltd., Guyana Rice Producers' Association, Continental Group of Companies, the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, Denmor Garment Manufacturers, Cara Lodge, Farfan and Mendes Ltd., Guyana Forestry Commission, Guyana National Industrial Corporation Inc., Guyana National Shipping Corporation, Barama Company Ltd., the Institute of Private Enterprise Development, Vanessa (Guyana) Inc. and the Bartica Chamber of Commerce.
In 2006, USAID/GHARP's private sector partnership initiative will expand further. A new Private Sector Advisory Committee that includes the CEOs and human resources directors of partner organizations will contribute to planning. Another 26 public and private sector companies are expected to sign on to the partnership program. USAID/GHARP also plans to establish an annual private sector and media award for innovative HIV/AIDS efforts.
The night before the event, a crowd of 11,000 attended a free outdoor concert to launch USAID/GHARP's "Don't Dis Me" stigma and discrimination reduction media campaign. Guyana's President Bharrat Jagdeo, the keynote speaker, urged the crowd to practice compassion and understanding toward people living with HIV/AIDS. The campaign features a music video entitled "Don't Dis Me," television advertisements and posters.
— Margaret Dadian
Photo: (left to right) Guyanese Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, USAID Mission Director Dr. Fenton Sands and U.S. Ambassador Roland Bullen at the USAID/ GHARP private sector recognition dinner on Dec. 18, 2005. (USAID/GHARP)
