Scotiabank is conducting voluntary HIV counselling and testing today in observance of Regional Testing Day 2009, at its branches in Guyana and throughout the Caribbean.

In a press release the Bank invites citizens to select branches to participate in private, voluntary HIV counselling and testing conducted by trained and experienced personnel from the Ministry of Health.

The public is invited to get tested at the New Amsterdam, Robb and Carmichael streets locations and at Bartica. Testing is also being done at the Parika branch on Sunday.

Scotiabank Senior-Vice President for the Caribbean Pat Minicucci said the Bank supports regional testing day as part of its greater commitment to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. “While there is no cure yet for this disease, prevention and education remain cornerstones of HIV/AIDS awareness. Giving community members convenient access to testing facilities is paramount to raising awareness throughout the communities in which we live and work,” she said.

The Bank said more than 2000 persons across six territories went to its branch offices to be tested. This year the number of participating territories has doubled with 14 participating.