Residents March and Hold Vigil in St Ignatius.

With music jumping and a loud speaker blaring slogans and public messages, a group of mostly young activists marched through St Ignatius Village yesterday evening. A candle light vigil was also held after a number of speakers had addressed the crowd.

Organized by members of the Regional AIDS Action Committee the event marked World AIDS Day (WAD) in the Rupununi. RAM and Red Cross volunteers in particular came together to make the youth friendly program a success.

Although candles were lit for a complete minute of silence, the hundreds in attendance heard a message of hope. 'Getting to Zero' is within our reach: Zero new infections, Zero AIDS related deaths, and Zero Discrimination - the official theme for WAD speaks of greater aspirations and possibilities with the tools now available to clients and activists.

Earlier in the day, an impromptu speaking competition was held at the St Ignatious Secondary School on the theme of HIV and AIDS. Organized by RAM and Red Cross youth, the students competed in front of their peers and a panel of judges by answering randomly selected questions on related subject matter.

The winner, Doshana Mentis, of the third form, performed best and walked away with a 12MP digital camera as the first prize. She was able to compose her speech in 30 seconds according to the rules and delivered her message in less than two and a half minutes.

Second place was taken by Vaughn Duncan while third prize won by Anureiya Thomas. Contestants were judges on a list of seven standard criteria while RAM staff member Philbert Malcolm kept the show lively as Master of Ceremonies.

Some of the questions asked of the contestants were:

1) Should parents and teachers of children who test positive for HIV be notified?
2) Should school children have access to condoms?
3) Should people living with HIV have access to public education.

Two pop-quizes kept the audience members on their toes and gave them a chance to win pens and key- chains courtesy of NAPS.

Keep an eye on the RAM Guyana facebook page for pictures and updates.