Latest update December 4th, 2024 2:40 AM
Banking, tourism sector to receive GBCHA award
– launches website on third anniversary
The Guyana Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GBCHA) since the opening of its Secretariat’s Counseling and Testing Site in 2009, has tested more than 5,000 persons. This was disclosed at a press conference held at the Office of the GBCHA, 108 Orange Walk, Bourda in observation of its third anniversary.
At the event the GBCHA also launched its website (http://www.guybizcoalition.org/) while indicating their intention to announce the winners of the fifth Annual Awards for Business Excellence on June 24, 2011 at the Pegasus.
Members of the GBCHA gathered together to cut cake shaped symbol representing HIV/AIDS.
Companies in the banking sector, tourism sector and services sectors (members and non-members) are to be awarded at the upcoming awards. The Ministry of Labour will also be awarding persons for occupational safety and health hazards.
The awards are presented in the following five categories —Workplace Programme, Outstanding Performance by Peer Educator(s), Core Competency, Community Investment, and Advocacy in addition to Individual Leadership.
The GBCHA works to facilitate and promote partnerships among private sector companies and local, regional and international organisations in the fight against HIV/AIDS by addressing prevention, treatment and care initiatives in the workplace and beyond.
The Awards for Business Excellence identifies and promotes new examples of best practices, highlighting the unique skills, expertise and products of the Private Sector that can enhance and expand the national response through various partnerships.
Some of the members of the Guyana Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS are Banks DIH Ltd, Caricom Rice Mills Ltd, Continental Group of Companies, Demerara Distillers Ltd, DIDCO Trading Company Ltd, Edward B. Beharry & Co. Ltd. Kayman Sankar & Company Ltd, National Milling Company of Guyana Inc. Bartica Chamber of Commerce, Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce Guyana Gold & Diamond Miners Association, Guyana Rice Producers Association, Guyana Trades Union Congress, Rupununi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Construction & Engineering, Gafsons Industries Ltd, Guyana National Industrial Company Inc, Faith Based Organisations Restoration Assembly of God, Forestry & Wood Products AH&L Kissoon Ltd, BARAMA Co Ltd, Guy-America Furniture, Mayor & Councillors of the City of Georgetown, Kaieteur News, Minerals and Related Industries North American Resources Inc, Neal & Massy (Guyana) Group.
Chairperson GBCHA Board of Directors, Tracy Lewis, said that since their launch on May 30, 2008 there have been noticeable strides by the GBCHA. Members continue to place HIV on their workplace agenda and over the years commitment and initiatives have been demonstrated.
She said the workplace is the setting in which one spends most of their time and the Business Coalition uses the opportunity to engage employers and employees to reduce stigma and discrimination.
Adding that the mission of the GBCHA is to mobilise and assist the private sector in their response to HIV/AIDS in the workplace, Ms Lewis said with a membership of 45 from various business sectors, in and out of Region Four, and growing, the GBCHA Secretariat continues to support members in their HIV workplace programmes.
“We also collaborated with partners to bring information to employees on TB, Cancer and other chronic illnesses in order to promote general health and wellness.”
Noting that since the opening of the Secretariat’s Counseling and Testing Site in 2009 over 5000 persons have been tested, Ms Lewis said each year the Coalition highlights success stories of individuals and company contributions towards HIV workplace programmes at the Awards for Business Excellence and this year will see the fifth year for the event.
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