Ms. Titus was among those that turned up this morning to be tested and is encouraging others to do the same. Photo: VINO

Testing is currently done free of charge at Scotiabank’s Road Town branch, Scotiabank Virgin Gorda branch and at the Anegada Clinic.

This is a collaborative initiative among Scotiabank, the National AIDS Programme, Pan Caribbean Partnership and Caribbean Media Broadcast Partnership.

Speaking at a brief ceremony this morning before the commencement of the testing at the Road Town branch, Managing Director of Scotiabank Ms. Joycelyn Murraine disclosed that over 140 persons made use of the testing last year and it is her hope that the number would double this year.

Mrs. Murraine took the opportunity to encourage persons to come out and get tested.

Coordinator of the National AIDS Programme Mrs. Noelene Levons-Clarke said this is the third year the Virgin Islands is taking part in the regional testing day. She noted that last year Virgin Gorda was added to the testing site and this year Anegada was added, which shows that the initiative is expanding.

Mrs. Levons-Clarke reiterated the importance of getting tested stating firmly that it is the only way to know one’s status.

She also reiterated the many benefits of early testing including being able to get treated early and prolong the onset of AIDS.

This morning, Natalio Wheatley who was among the group getting tested said he was pleased to be part of the initiative and made use of the opportunity to get tested.

“I am very pleased to be part of it. We can’t close our eyes and pretend HIV is not a part of our community, it is and the responsible thing to do is to get tested and I think the entire population should get tested even as an example for others so that we can stop HIV infections and hopefully control and eliminate it,” Wheatley told VINO.

He said the collaboration with Scotiabank is a example of good corporate stewardship and hoped that other corporations in the community would follow suit.

Scotiabank employees loose balloons into the air to show support for persons living with HIV or AIDS. Photo: VINO

Chancellor Titus was also one of the persons who made use of the free testing offered at the Road Town Scotiabank branch.

Ms. Titus said she is getting tested so that she can know whether she is safe.

“I already do the test and I am just waiting for the results so that I will be more secure.”

Ms. Titus said she has been encouraging people to come out and get tested also. She also applauded Scotiabank and said she wished it can happen more often and more people can use the opportunity to get tested.

“I wish more people would feel comfortable to come and get tested.” The young woman said most men would say they cannot use protection for one reason or another, for her that is “totally nonsense” and she encourages both women and men to protect themselves, but more importantly, she appealed to young people to protest themselves and come out and get tested.

This year’s regional testing day is held under the theme, “Know your Status, Get tested.”