STATUS: Tristar Antiqua & Barbuda

Tristar Antigua & Barbuda
‘Men Making a Difference Among Men'

PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, 18 May 2004

TRISTAR ANTIGUA & BARBUDA is a Non-Governmental Organization, developed with the assistance and guidance of the AIDS SECRETARIAT. This newly formed organization is the brainchild of the National AIDS Programme Assistant Mrs. Jean- Machell Dubois.

Mrs Dubois, who is familiar with the MSM community in Antigua and Barbuda (based on her work and study) realised that there are many factors which are common among the MSM community contributing to the spread HIV/AIDS among men in Antigua and Barbuda which later pose a threat to the female population as well. A group was discussed and placed on paper but never materialised. However, Mrs. Dubois (NAPA) and Mrs. Lynette Springer, HIV Educator/Counsellor of the AIDS SECRETARIAT got together and attracted the support of an enthusiastic Youth Activist and Youth Counsellor Mr. Clyde Gregoire to work on the project. The group has since developed a project plan and is seeking financial Aid to carry out educational projects targeting the MSM community and the Antiguan male population. The group hope to hold its first workshop in July of 2004. Further, since there is no office one member has sponsored a telephone line at his residence so that there will be less strain on members Cell phones. There is a current membership of 14 with a Secretary/Treasurer, three field officers, and a Marketing Specialist from the local media.

The group received its first official invitation on the 4 th of May 2004 to the launching of the Caribbean Handbook ‘Healthy Eating for Better Living'. The handbook which is a publication of the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CNFI) is based on ‘Good Nutrition and Healthily Eating for People Living with HIV/AIDS' (PLWAHA). According to Fitzroy Henry - Director of CFNI, ‘this disease can take tremendous toll on the body as wasting and weight loss of lean body tissue are common. Currently HIV/AIDS cannot be cured, but aggressive nutrition support can help extend life and contribute to its equality'. The workshop was facilitated by the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI) who also produced the handbook and organised locally by the AIDS SECRETARIAT and the Ministry of Health. The workshop ended on the 6 th of May 2004 at the City View Hotel in St. Johns, Antigua.

The group was also part of the AIDS SECRETARIAT Volunteer team sharing information on HIV/AIDS and condoms distribution at the annual Antigua Sailing Week. Also assisting the booth for a brief moment was the newly appointed minister of Health the Honourable John Maginley, who was pleased with the support young men who are most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS are lending in support of the battle against the disease.

URGENT ASSISTANCE NEEDED

TRISTAR Antigua and Barbuda Urgently is in need of a Used or new computer system, Used or New Fax Machine, Used or New Printer, Used or new Copier and or any other office supplies to assist us in carrying out work in the MSM community In Antigua and Barbuda.

Please Contact us through Free Forum Publisher

or C/ 0 AIDS SECRETARIAT, RAMCO BUILDING, INDEPENDENCE AVE.ST. JOHNS, ANTIGUA. TEL/FAX 1 268 462 5039

- Clyde Gregoire. Coordinator- TRISTAR ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA