WELCOME BY
SENATOR THE HON. GLYNE MURRAY, J.P.
MINISTER OF STATE, PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE

The Government of Barbados has committed the nation to a comprehensive and expanded HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Programme with the short-term aim of reducing the infection rate of the disease by 50% in three years and its mortality rate by a similar degree in five years.

We readily admit that this is a very ambitious goal. But we also acknowledge that for a number of reasons it is not an impossible one.

For one thing, other countries in the Caribbean and elsewhere have met similar objectives, and we believe that Barbadians have the inherent capacity and capability to do likewise.

In addition, throughout our history Barbadians have always risen to the occasion when other noble challenges - be they economic, political or social - have confronted our country.

We have every confidence that Barbadians can and will do the very same with HIV/AIDS.

That is why I am very pleased to introduce you to the Website of the National HIV/AIDS Commission, the agency responsible for coordinating the national undertaking against this disease that is justifiably dreaded the world over.

We strongly feel that this website has a crucial role to play in giving the war against HIV/AIDS the kind of reach and impact it needs to be victorious over the threat the disease poses to our economic and social well being and viability.

We are therefore determined to keep this website informative by ensuring that its contents are always accurate, up-to-date and easily understood.

We are also intent on keeping it user-friendly so that people who access it will find it welcoming and so will be encouraged to gain the insights needed for sound decisions about safe life style practices.

We further believe that just as important as the changes involving sexual behaviour, are the modifications needed in attitudes towards persons infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Thus, all members of society have an inescapable duty to help create a more empathetic and supportive environment that will reduce the levels of stigmatisation, discrimination and marginalisation that are far too often shown towards those directly or indirectly affected by HIV/AIDS. It is our fervent wish then that this website will prove to be a revealing, enlightening and humanising window to the world of HIV/AIDS and one that will make that necessary difference to the future of Barbadians and all those joined in this global crusade against an international enemy.