Eric Castellanos - Executive Director, C-NET
"Today we are celebrating our 2nd annual solidarity day with persons living with HIV. Last year we had a celebration but we didn't have a march, this is the first time we are having a march. It's a day where we commemorate the lives of our loved ones - all those persons that have died due to HIV, our partners and relatives. It's not in a sad way, it's a celebrating way because we are honoring their lives - taking into consideration that they might not have the resources that we have right now. So we're in a very lucky position and because of their sacrifice and what they went through is because we are where we are right now and have the benefit of better medication and better services. This is a regional initiative - it started in El Salvador, which was the first country that observed it. In fact in El Salvador the legislation has declared it a national day so all the schools and everywhere observe it as a national solidarity day with persons living with HIV. It's very critical because it's a moment where people who are not HIV can show their solidarity and support. This is a very good initiative and a very good way to support persons who are not positive can come in solidarity with persons living with HIV to reduce stigma and discrimination.

I also like to inform you that today we're launching our Demystifying HIV Campaign. I think a few months ago we spoke about the Stigma project so today we're launching it so if you have time to go by our office you will see the actual images there where we have the photos of Belizeans living with HIV, sharing their stories and their images for everybody to see. I think it's a very important thing, it's a first time that people living with HIV from Belize are moving away from that fear and being proud and living their lives positively and sharing with other Belizeans in order for other Belizeans to sensitize and create consciousness and also contribute to less infections in the country."