Dec. 1, 2007 — Compassion and speaking out were on the minds of marchers commemorating World AIDS Day Saturday in Christiansted. From the open windows at Lord God of Sabaoth Lutheran Church came the sounds of the hymn, "Bind Us Together." Nothing else could be heard during the silent march along four blocks of King Street.
Gov. John deJongh Jr. helped carry a banner and marched along with 35 other people to the Scale House on the waterfront, where speakers addressed the marchers. Virgin Islands Community AIDS Resource and Education (VICARE) sponsored the march and candlelight vigil.
Bruce E. Smail, chief executive officer of VICARE, stressed the need to talk about HIV. Smail has been living with AIDS himself since 2003. He said there are 886 people with AIDS living in the territory, and there could be more who have not been tested or haven't come forward.
Smail noted the Caribbean has the second highest number of AIDS cases per capita in the world. "We need to take a moment to remember the daily struggles and issues people living with AIDS face," Smail said.
Smail introduced the co-founder of VICARE, George Flores, by saying "I stand on George's shoulders."
Flores has been living with AIDS for 20 years. He said he is alive today because of early detection, educating himself and VICARE. "This is not an easy disease, it's been hell," Flores said. "We need to converse freely about being HIV positive."
The need to talk about HIV was also echoed by Dr. Richard Olans of the V.I. Department of Health. He also said there is still a great deal of misunderstanding about AIDS. At one time AIDS was a rapid death sentence, he said, but with advances in medication it can be managed like other chronic illnesses.
"We need to approach this terrible plague with openness and candor," Olans said.
Vivian Ebbesen-Fludd, commissioner for the V.I. Department of Health, spoke about partnerships with the Frederiksted Health Clinic, the health department and VICARE. "This is a community issue," Ebbesen-Fludd said. "We must join hands, activities, and actions, and together we'll get this done."
DeJongh echoed those sentiments, urging discussion and partnering with those concerned with fighting AIDS. "I want to make sure the resources are there and make sure the government is responsive," deJongh said.
For more information about local HIV/AIDS clinics and testing go to www.vicareinc.org
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