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World AIDS Day Observances Set for Monday on St. Thomas and St. Croix

Nov. 25, 2008 — V.I. residents will join people around the world Monday in observing the 20th annual World AIDS Day.
The observances will end with candlelight vigils at 6 p.m. on both St. Thomas and St. Croix. The St. Thomas vigil will be held in Charlotte Amalie's Emancipation Garden beginning at 10:30 a.m., while the one on St. Croix will take place at Buddoe Park in Frederiksted beginning at 3:30 p.m.
The theme is "Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise, Leaders."
"It emphasizes the role of leaders in fighting HIV/AIDS," said Health Department spokeswoman Eunice Bedminster.
The observances are organized by the Health Department.
Gov. John deJongh Jr. will speak at the St. Thomas observance, while Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis will address those attending the St. Croix World AIDS Day observance. Other government officials will also speak at both events, and both will feature music and performances.
The Eudora Kean Jazz Band will play on St. Thomas. On St. Croix, vocalist Harrella Goodwin will sing. The Sister to Sister Pantomime Group will perform. The event also features the Voices of Praise Community Choir.
HIV/AIDS testing will be available at both the St. Thomas and St. Croix observances.
St. Croix's VICARE, an HIV/AIDS activist organization whose acronym stands for V.I. Community AIDS Resource and Education, will hold a walkathon Dec. 6 to raise money for its programs.
"As money gets tighter every year, it becomes more and more important," said Mark Genovesio, VICARE's prevention program director.
The Walkathon begins at 7:45 a.m. at the Carl and Marie Lawetz Museum in Estate LaGrange. After walking five miles, participants will return to the museum. Water stations will be set up along the way.
"It's just a delightful walk," Genovesio said. "It has some wonderful views."
The walkathon raises money through pledges. The minimum pledge is $10.
Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. Dec. 6, but registration forms can be downloaded from the organization's websiteor obtained by calling VICARE, Genovesio said.
HOPE Inc., which stands for Helping Others in a Positive Environment, sent out a news release indicating that recently released figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that minority groups disproportionately make up the majority of new HIV cases in the country. Blacks make up 45 percent of the new cases, and Hispanics, 18 percent.
In the territory, about 900 people have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
HOPE could not be reached for more comment.
Call HOPE at 777-1611. Reach VICARE at 692-9111 or visit its website.
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