The Guyana Business Coali-tion on HIV/AIDS (GBCHA) celebrated five years of advocacy aiding the private sector response to HIV/AIDS in the workplace and community by electing a new board at its annual awards ceremony.
As part of its anniversary observances the group elected a Board of Directors for 2013-2014 and presented the 2013 Annual Awards for Business Excellence on Thursday May 23 at a ceremony held at Cara Lodge.
Tracey Lewis, General Manager of the Guyana Lottery Company was elected Chairperson of the GBCHA, the group said in a press release. Lewis has served on the GBCHA Board since 2009 and was previously served as chairperson from 2010-2011.
The chairperson will be supported by eight other elected directors: Delmar Tobin of GraceKennedy Remittance Services; Chaitnarine Brijnandan of Continental Group of Companies; Ruth Autar of Edward B Beharry and Company Ltd; Donna Roberts-Benjamin of John Fernandes Limited; David Bhola, Occupational, Health and Safety Manager, Neal and Massy Group of Companies; Andrew Astwood of the Guyana National Shipping Company Limited; Parvesh Bhola of the National Milling Company of Guyana and Yvette Fiedtkou of Sterling Products Limited.
After the AGM, the group hosted its signature event – the Annual Awards for Business Excellence – which recognises and highlights the best practices and commitment of the private sector in the national response to HIV.
The awards are judged in five familiar categories and this year’s honourees are the Guyana Revenue Authority, for its workplace programme; outstanding peer educator, Jaunelle Marks – honourable mention; outstanding peer educator and advocacy/individual leadership, Rohini Ramkumar of Edward B Beharry and Company; core competency, Namilco and community investment, Scotiabank.
In his remarks Dr Roberto Campos, UNAIDS Country Coordinator, charged the gathering to get involved and take responsibility as citizens of Guyana to address and eliminate HIV/AIDS. Dr Shanti Singh, Programme Manager at the National AIDS Programme Secretariat commended the GBCHA and the private sector on their work to date and challenges them to expand their focus to address other issues in the workplace such as general health and wellness.
The International Labour Organisation, Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV/ AIDS and the New GPC Inc also supported the programme.
