Blood testing at the Community Health and Wellness Expo today, Friday June 28, 2013 at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park. Activities include blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol screenings, dental evaluations, mini-back rubs, neck massages, HIV Testing and Counselling, along with karaoke for condoms. Photo: VINO

Two members of the public getting information on dental health from one of the many booths in the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park. Photo: VINO

Cancer survivor Gloria Fahie (right) of the BVI Cancer Society discusses the subject with two visitors to the activity in the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park. Photo: VINO

The massage section is one of the highlights of the Fantastic Friday and Regional Testing Dayevent. Photo: VINO

Booths on the spot include that of the BVI Diabetes Association, BVI Health Services Authority, Community Mental Health, BVI Cancer Society, Scotiabank BVI Limited and many more community partners.

Activities include blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol screenings, dental evaluations, mini-back rubs, neck massages, HIV Testing and Counselling, along with karaoke for condoms.

An atmosphere was created for persons to spend their lunch break or the full day with food on sale by Mac’s Live Well Bakery and smoothies and natural drinks from Mellow Moods Café and Nature’s Way.

The activity was done in conjunction with Scotiabank, through its Bright Future Programme and had issued a call for residents to visit testing sites where trained personnel from the National AIDS Programme have been conducting confidential screenings and providing counselling on taking precaution to stop the spread of HIV.

“Scotiabank is proud to contribute to the health of our communities by partnering with the CBMP and opening up our branches to host clinics for HIV Regional Testing Day,” said Scotiabank's Jason Waters. “As a bank with a long history and strong roots in the British Virgin Islands, we need to continue taking action and provide HIV-AIDS support because we know the importance of the health of members in our communities,” he added.

Scotiabank’s support of this programme is part of the Bank’s Global HIV Strategy launched in 2011, which works to fight the stigma and discrimination of this life-threatening disease by promoting awareness and education.

"I congratulate Scotiabank for their committed involvement in this important HIV prevention initiative now in its 6th year,” Executive Director, Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership Dr. Allyson Leacock said. “Our unique collaboration creates a powerful response to fighting the spread of HIV and raising awareness on the importance of preventing the disease in our region. We would also like to thank the ministries and departments of health who provide valuable support to facilitate testing and counselling.”

A patron of the activity held at the Noel Lloyd Positive action Movement Park, Tamara Smith- Josiah, said the highlight of the day for her was being afforded the opportunity to have the various health checkups. "The cream on the cake was the massage chair and then that food from Mac's," said the obviously satisfied patron.