History
Lion Cedric Downes: Barbados South Lions Club
Around January 2001 I caught the tail end of the programme Point At Issue, with the topic HIV/AIDS in the Workplace. Representatives of the business sector, BMA, BEC, BCC, and I think the BWU, were panellists.
Someone recommended that a body be set up, probably funded by these organisations, separate and apart from Government, through which their HIV/AIDS concerns could be addressed.
My club had started the Heart Foundation, and so I suggested to it that we try to set up an AIDS Foundation. Lion Richard Davis, then President, asked me to explore its feasibility. I sought assistance from Lion Meredith Clarke, a member of the AIDS Society of Barbados, and Dr. Carol Jacobs. I put together a list of persons for the first exploratory meeting (Minutes attached) and subsequent meetings.
To move forward I asked Rev. Theodore Taylor to act as President. He corresponded with established AIDS Foundations in the Bahamas and in Trinidad. They sent their Articles of Association and Legal Incorporation, which were was passed to Mr Andrew Brewster, of Yearwood and Boyce, and his efforts resulted in our Foundation being legally incorporated on 14 August 2002.
The objectives of the AIDS Foundation of Barbados have been identified as these:
- to raise funds, and accept funds by way of donations, sales commissions, royalties, loans, etc., to enable the undertakings of the Foundation;
- to educate the public about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment;
- to facilitate access to medical services for persons infected or affected by HIV/AIDS;
- to help provide psychological, spiritual and material support for those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS;
- to assist in providing needed accommodation for persons with HIV/AIDS;
- to help further research into what pertains to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care, and cure;
- to cooperate with organisations and individuals having similar objectives.
An interim committee chaired by Dr Taylor runs the Foundation. Lions Club members are in the process of formulating by-laws for adoption.
A recent meeting invited members of CARE (those living with AIDS) and UGALAAB (United Gays and Lesbians Against AIDS Barbados) to discuss their concerns. One prominent is a need for an adequate place to gather. To respond, and get an HQ for the Foundation, we have talked about possibly buying a property now on the market ? if something like $1m.can be raised.
The Lions Club of Barbados South has asked that the President of the Club or his nominee always be a member of the Board of Directors of the AIDS Foundation of Barbados.