Four companies were recognised for taking action to reduce HIV/AIDS risk behaviours among their workers and to lessen stigma and discrimination against PLWHAs in the workplace.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco), the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Edward B Beharry and Sons and the Pegasus Hotel were awarded for their outstanding efforts in this field. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release the awards represent a collaboration among the government, the International Labour Organisation and the United States Department of Labour HIV/AIDS Work-place Education Programme.

GINA said Dale Beresford, a tripartite member of the Guyana Trades Union Congress, Omesh Lallbeharry of Guysuco and Ella Patricia Isaacs of the GRDB were also recognised as the most outstanding HIV/AIDS Focal Point persons. Meanwhile, the most outstanding peer educators’ awards were presented to Toolsie Persaud Jagmohan and Ganie A Khan of Guysuco and Jadunauth Persaud of the GRDB.

GRDB General Manager Jagnarine Singh also received honourable mention for outstanding management commitment to eliminate stigma in the workplace. Guysuco’s Claudette Moore-Madhoo and Beharry and Sons’ Rohini Ramkumar were also acknowledged for their work.

According to GINA the Programme partners with several local NGOs such as Youth Challenge Guyana and Comforting Hearts, to effect capacity building and other HIV related activities at workplace levels. The named NGOs have assisted with effecting voluntary counselling and testing at workplaces.

The National AIDS Programme Secretariat also plays an integral role in this aspect. The Programme which began in 2003, is funded by PEPFAR through the US Department of Labour.

The ceremony was hosted at Hotel Tower.