The AIDS Society of Barbados Inc. and the National HIV/AIDS Commission will join over 100 countries in taking part in the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial on Sunday, May 16, in Independence Square.

The objective of the memorial, which will run from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., is to honour and support those who have been affected by the AIDS pandemic and to mobilise communities worldwide to respond to the spread of HIV.??

The theme of this year’s memorial is "Many Lights for Human Rights" and the featured speaker will be Monsignor Vincent Blackett.

The public is asked to come and light a candle to mark this event.?? Entertainment will be provided by the Barbados Defence Force Band and there will also be dramatic presentations and tributes by members of non-governmental organisations.

The first candlelight memorial was held in 1983 in San Francisco.?? With 33 million people estimated to be infected with HIV worldwide, the memorial serves as a unifying movement among civil society groups and governments to address HIV stigma and to give hope to future generations.????

lbayley@barbados.gov.bb

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