Latest update January 10th, 2025 5:00 AM
Latest News
- Jagdeo-led PPP supported tax waivers to Exxon without seeing terms of oil contract
- President stomps Nandlall’s plan to appeal $24M awarded to Quindon Bacchus’ family
- More than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war, officials say
- Benn flags citizens lax approach to fire safety
- Chinese man missing after falling off new harbour bridge
Guyana Business Coalition re-launched with wider health focus
With a wider health focus, the Guyana Business Coalition on Health Awareness
From left: GBCHA’s Ruth Autar; Chief of Mission, Peter Anthes; GBCHA’s Suzanne French and Mr Derrick Cummings.
(GBCHA), formerly the Guyana Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, was re-launched. The occasion took the form of a simple affair venued at the Quamina Street, Georgetown, Cara Lodge.
Speaking at the start of the proceedings yesterday was GBCHA’s Ruth Autar who noted that the forum was one designed to celebrate a special accomplishment of the Coalition. She related that after focusing directly and indirectly on cross-cutting issues such as domestic violence, gender issues and health issues other than HIV/AIDS over the past two years “we are officially expanding our mandate and adjusting our name accordingly to address general health and wellness in the workplace and the community.”
She recounted that since 2008 GBCHA has been in receipt of support from various entities, individuals and organisations, significant financial and technical support through the USAID/GHARP, all of which have helped to build the Coalition’s organisational capacity.
The audience at the re-launch forum yesterday.
In fact she singled out a few individuals and specific business entities that have offered immense support to the Coalition over the years. “The good foundation that was laid by those who were at the first launch on May 30, 2008, and also the vibrant and versatile members who are at this launch today are testimony to the success of GBCHA,” said Autar as she, on behalf of the Coalition expressed appreciation for lasting support as she solicit continued support from those who witnessed the re-launch yesterday.
GBCHA, Executive Director, Suzanne French, in speaking of the name change said that it was quite a task to rename the non-profit organisation. She nevertheless stressed that the importance of the organisation’s achievement is that of the partnership it has been able to achieve overtime.
The mission of the Coalition now is to not only mobilize the business sector in its response to HIV/AIDS but also health and awareness by coordinating technical assistance and support.
Attending the forum yesterday was Mr Derrick Cummings, who, according to Autar, was instrumental in the formation of the Coalition. He currently holds the portfolio of Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.
He in brief remarks commended the on-going work of the GBCHA and extended wishes for its continued success. In his presentation he spoke of his former involvement in the Coalition through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR-) funded USAID/GHARP Project. Cummings in speaking of the success of GBCHA reflected on its genesis as he lauded the tactic to engage the private sector in Guyana in response to HIV/AIDS and that of former US Ambassador to Guyana, Ronald Bullen and former Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, among others. But according to him, it was the private sector and the groundwork by the International Labour Organisation that was instrumental in putting in place work place policies. This all occurred, Cummings said, when there was an abundance of stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS. “I know stories where families actually put their own relatives to sleep somewhere at the back of the yard or so…didn’t want to share the same utensils with them; look how far we have with HIV and AIDS,” said Cummings.
Also speaking at the forum yesterday was Deputy Chief of Mission, United States Embassy, Peter Anthes. He, in his presentation, lauded the efforts of the Coalition which has done commendable work not only in HIV/AIDS but also health and social issues such as gender based violence.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
The unconscionable terms of the PSA establish a case for renegotiation
The unconscionable terms, The unconscionable terms Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- The Production Sharing Agreement (PSA)... more
Forget Begging Rich Nations: Caribbean Countries Should Act to Save Themselves
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- It has long been evident that the world’s richest nations, especially those responsible... more
Weekend Cartoon
