Congrats to Mrs. Charles of the National AIDS programme

Fri, Dec 9. 2011

Editor: Please permit me space in your newspaper to congratulate Mrs. Roseclair Charles of the National AIDS programme. She has done it again.{{more}}

I had the privilege to witness a World AIDS Day programme held at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) on December 1.

That was an extraordinary performance. For the first time male and female inmates were part of the World AIDS Day activities in this country. I believe it was the first time the media and their cameras were allowed behind the walls, a big plus for the Superintendent of Prisons.

HIV/AIDS affects everyone, and the inmates at HMP are no exception. The looks on the faces of those inmates was something to behold.

I was touched when I heard the songs, poems and saw the skits on “Prevention” and “Stigma and Discrimination” dramatized by both male and female Inmates. It shows that the message reached home.

I am sure the prison officers were able to learn from that programme as well. Brilliant idea, Mrs. Charles. You are a woman of talent and experience.

“Congrats”, once again.

Vincentians ought to be proud of you. It takes a woman with guts to go into the prison.

Michael Robetson