Back Flash - Carnival 2004

BACK FLASH:
Opening Of Carnival Parade 2004
July 24th 2004

INTRODUCTION
Each year during local festive activities there is a suggestive increase in drug use in particular alcohol and sexual activity in the population. This behaviour could easily lead to an increase in the incident rate of HIV/AIDS in the society. Additionally as a tourist destination Antigua and Barbuda see an influx in visitors during these festive occasions and there is much interaction between the locals and visitors, some of which includes sexual activity. Carnival is a much highlighted summer activity filled with fun, frolic and at times wanton abandonment. It cultivates the perfect atmosphere for individuals to throw caution to the win and engage in multiple unprotected sexual encounters.

The Antigua & Barbuda AIDS Secretariat has been involved in the Carnival activities for many years, this involvement in deemed vital to a healthy, risk reduced and enjoyable event. It plays an important role in the prevention initiative of the National HIV/AIDS Programme. The main aims are:

to sensitise the population to the ever-present threat of HIV among us
to discourage individuals from complacent behaviours
to encourage safer sex activities
to raise the level of awareness among high-risk groups in particular youth

ACTIVITY

In 2004, as in previous year the Secretariat participated in the Opening Parade of carnival, which captures one of the largest audiences during the Carnival season. We focused on youths and was privileged to receive sponsorship by the (UNODC) United Nations Office on Drug and Crime- Youth Centred HIV/Drug Use project (Barbados ) and the Bank of Nova Scotia through the Carnival Development Committee.

The Secretariat had a nicely decorated float depicting the international symbol for HIV/AIDS – the red ribbon, along with decorated banners highlighting positive messages aimed at young people. Messages range from saying ‘NO TO DRUGS' to ‘SAYING YES TO LIFE' to ‘SELF RESPECT'. Over 30 young persons wearing t-shirts sponsored by the UNODC – Youth centred project with the motto ‘Youth/HIV/Drug Use – more a link than you think' preceded the float. Another set of 10 young people rode on the decorated truck. Some of the young people had placards with additional messages advocating abstinence, deadly effects of illicit drug use, condom use and dangers of discrimination. One group of young people distributed safer sex kit to adults, while another group distributed pens and rulers received from UNICEF to children. The youths were between the ages of 14 – 23 years and were harnessed from several non-governmental organizations including the Antigua Planned Parenthood Association, Junior Optimist Club, Antigua Red cross, Tristar Antigua and the Rotaract Club.

Despite the inclement weather on Saturday 24 th July, which resulted in the postponement of the parade to Sunday 25 th July the young people still turned out in their numbers on both days. Some of the young people rode on the float while the others dance in the street to the music of the iron band in front of them.

ACCOMPLISHMENT

A part from the overall enjoyment the young people expressed in the activity, there was also a sense of satisfaction that the important message of prevention was achieved. Patrons in the parade and bystanders expressed the importance of the having the Secretariat present throughout the entire Carnival season and suggested that we return for the other two parades, even volunteering their willingness to help. Some patrons noted that we spoilt their Carnival; since HIV/AIDS is the one thing they did not wish to think about at the time. The Deputy AIDS Programme Manager was interviewed by Family Radio and the youths by Observer Radio and Family Radio; hence an even broader population was reached via the media. The float was photographed numerous times and we were also the proud recipients of a trophy for second place position in the Carnival event.

After this event, the banner sponsored by the UNODC was erected in the city of St. John's on the property of the Lions Club with the permission of the Coordinator, for continuous viewing by the public.

The Secretariat wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to all involve in the success of this annual activity. Special recognition and thanks to the young people who participated in the parade and helped in decorating the float, Ministry of Tourism for sponsoring the truck, Bank of Nova Scotia and the Carnival Development Committee for sponsoring a banner and refreshments for the participants and UNODC – United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime – Barbados for sponsoring the t-shirts worn by the participants, the float and a banner. Without your input this event would not have been a successful one.

Mrs. Jean-Machelle Benn-Dubois
Deputy AIDS Programme Manager
National HIV/AIDS Programme
Antigua & Barbuda

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