2006 Press Releases
HIV/AIDS Quilt designed by Children unveiled by U.S. Ambassador at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
November 22, 2006
On a brisk Bahamian evening at a reception on the verandah of the Bahamas National Art Gallery, Bahamians active in fighting HIV/AIDS joined Ambassador John Darrell Rood, Minister of Health Dr. Bernard Nottage and AIDS Foundation Director Camille Barnett to unveil an AIDS "quilt." The colorful hand painted tiles mounted in a collage of blocks designed in four-dimensional shapes of various widths and heights dazzled the crowd. The words on some of the individual tiles read: “Lets give it a rest,” “Stop the Epidemic,” “Use Protection At All Times,” “I Love You,” and “Be Careful.” All these tile were hand-painted by the 200 children who crafted the works under the direction of Bahamian artist Lillian Blades. Their messages were simple, straightforward, and powerful, as they revealed how they feel about HIV/AIDS. The pieces make up a quilt designed to build understanding and appreciation for those who have suffered because of HIV and AIDS.
Unveiling the quilt to the public for the first time at a reception held at the Bahamas National Art Gallery on November 21, United States Ambassador John Rood said, “The quilt is a wonderful example of the right response to fight the stigma of AIDS. The quilt does three things: It commemorates those Bahamians who have died from AIDS, it moves us to think of those Bahamians living with HIV/AIDS, and it reminds us that the fight is still on against HIV and AIDS.” Funding for the quilt, spearheaded by the AIDS Foundation of The Bahamas was made available through a special Caribbean Ambassadors Fund for HIV/AIDS to help support local efforts to prevent and respond to HIV/AIDS. Ambassador Rood said when he heard about the AIDS foundation’s proposal to assemble an AIDS awareness quilt, he thought it was a great idea, especially since it was going to be designed by children.
Ambassador Rood announced that in keeping with the U.S. promise to fight stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS, he will be publicly tested for HIV on December 1, World AIDS Day. Testing will be done at the HIV AIDS Center.
Dr. Bernard Nottage, Minister of Health and National Insurance in his remarks lauded the staff in the Ministry of Health for the gallant work they continue to do in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Mrs. Camille Barnett, Director of The AIDS Foundation of The Bahamas thanked Ambassador Rood for the Embassy’s continued support of HIV/AIDS Awareness in The Bahamas and noted that the quilt will travel throughout The Bahamas.