The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net 

It is a reality that many people with HIV/AIDS live behind mask, afraid to do some of the things they truly want because of stigma and discrimination they face on a daily basis.

It has been a goal of the Bahamas AIDS Foundation to educate and create awareness in an effort to break the chains of discrimination. It is for this reason that this year’s 23rd annual Red Ribbon Ball takes on the theme “Beyond the Mask”, so that those not living behind the mask can get a better understanding of what living HIV/AIDS is like.

The ball – the foundation’s largest fundraising event of the year – takes place this Saturday in Atlantis’ Grand Ballroom.

“We want people to think about the persons living with HIV/AIDS who live in the shadows of our society afraid to show themselves for fear of stigma and discrimination. Think about the teenager who is HIV+ who just wants to be a normal teenager, who carries around that big secret afraid to tell even her best friend. We hope one day soon persons living with HIV/AIDS will be able to come out from behind that mask,” said Lady Camille Barnett, president of the Bahamas AIDS Foundation.

Lady Barnett said this year’s exciting theme promises an evening of lavish fun, frolicking and indulgence, with new additions such as tables with complimentary bottles of champagne, courtesy of Red Ribbon Ball partner Commonwealth Brewery.

This year’s entertainment will feature local favourites such as Fred Ferguson’s Tingum Dem Band and DJ Killa Bee, as well as some surprise performers.

“Fred Ferguson and Tingum Dem are our band, so the music will be great. They have been playing at our ball for the last four years. Our DJ is Brian Gibson “Killa Bee” and he always plays the right music at the right time,” she said.

“There will also be surprises and prizes. We strive to carry out our theme throughout the venue. Our ball is known for it’s superb ambience, always on theme. And of course we always have a surprise in store. The party starts from the time the ballroom doors open and ends as the last revellers make their way to their cars, shoes in hand and bow ties undone,” she said.

The Red Ribbon Ball provides financial support for this important, life-saving work, including education and awareness about HIV and AIDS, support and advocacy for persons living with HIV/AIDS and training and research to assist in the fight against the disease.

Also benefitting from the Red Ribbon Ball are the Adolescents’ Outreach Programme, World AIDS Day activities, the purchase of special medications, and the Men’s Health Initiative.

“We also realise that people are still in recovery mode from Hurricane Matthew. We are sensitive to that. We also think it’s time for a good party to forget about our trials and tribulations for a night. Come and dance the night away for a good cause. One hundred per cent of the proceeds goes towards our work with adolescents, our purchase of Third Line Medicines that some persons need, our education and awareness activities, and prevention,” said Lady Barnett.

“We hope to raise at least $95,000. Our work with adolescents costs us in excess of $150,000 a year and the purchase of medicines costs $24,000, and that is only for four persons. Our outreach programme for Adolescents Infected and Affected by HIV/AIDS, which is a holistic support programme dedicated to empowering our kids to be healthy, productive and independent young adults. Also our purchase of medicines mentioned above.”

The grand raffle prize is a trip to Chile to a winery above the clouds in the Andes mountains.