From Dr Elena Moran, chairman, Jersey Community Relations Trust.
IT is ironic that Edward Trevor should make his highly ill-advised comments about people with Aids in the run-up to World Aids Day.
World Aids Day, held on 1 December every year, is an international day to raise awareness about HIV and Aids around the world; a chance to raise public awareness of the reality of living with HIV and Aids and an opportunity to breakdown some of the unwarranted stigma and prejudice that surrounds HIV and Aids.
It is exactly the kind of prejudice peddled by Mr Trevor that charities such as Acet are fighting against. It is a sad fact that the vast majority of people do not fully understand how the HIV virus is transmitted. This lack of knowledge makes it more difficult to control HIV infection and less likely that the people most at risk will be tested.
HIV infection is on the increase in Jersey. We all have a responsibility to inform ourselves about HIV and Aids; to be aware of how the virus is transmitted, the importance of testing and how to support and respect people with HIV and Aids.
I have no doubt that the vast majority of people living in Jersey will be appalled by Mr Trevor’s comments. People living with the reality of HIV and Aids are entitled to our support and respect. Mr Trevor would do well to reconsider his comments and lend his support to Acet and their campaigns.
