One year ago I started to 'Counsel' a Patient who had 'Suicidal Ideation' owing to her HIV status; she did not want to live and did everything possible to communicate her message of 'wanting to die'; however, I won't give up on her and I prayed with her using Psalm 23, 27, 51, 91 and 103! She was encouraged to listen to her 'favourite Gospel Music', to change her linens, Curtains and to even get scented Candles (Aromatherapy). Recognising the…

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Today I stood by the bedside of a 15 yr old girl who is dying from HIV/AIDS and I tried to get her to take her ARVS/MEDS which will help to make her feel better and she just couldn't swallow the medication; she then puked saying that its the 'bitterness' of the tablet that makes her nauseous and I felt so HELPLESS because I can't do nothing more for her; its the Medication that will help at this stage of her ILLNESS! Then I stood by the window and…

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The Guyana Faith and HIV Coalition held a "Capture Knowledge" Session at Cara Lodge on 10 December, 2011 International Human Rights Day! The Session was attended by Rastafari Representatives, Muslim Representative, Christian Representatives, Hindu Representatives and Bahai Representatives! Dr. Ruben F. del Prado had his message read by an ILO Representative and the Master of Ceremony was Ras Ian General Secretary of the Guyana…

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Commissioner Cole ans Son visited Region 2 to facilitate a HIV/AIDS Seminar which included SALT and ACP. The Participants were all Male and they hailed from Leguan, Wakenaam, Bartica (Region 7), Anna Regina which are different areas in Region 2 except for Bartica which is located in Region 7. Being the lone female facilitating a session with an all male group was a significant challenge given the fact that Men prefer to talk sex with Men only! However, Commissioner… Continue

Commissioner Cole and her Son visited Region 6 and shared SALT and HIV awareness with Participants who were desirous of learning about STIs and SALT as a strengths model in facilitating an AIDS Competent Community! The difference between HIV and AIDS was a very good point to note since many confuse these two concepts. The fact that one can live a very long and Healthy life if HIV positive was discussed in earnest; however, the fact that one can rapidly progress…

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On 10th May, 2011 Nicole Cole along with Marlyn Waterman conducted a STI Awareness Workshop in the Work Environment among employees of the Guyana Power and Light Company. The AIDS Competency Process was also introduced with the SALT model to Community Development i.e making Communities AIDS Competent. Two Power Point Presentations were conducted explaining the most common Sexually Transmitted Infections. Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Herpes Simplex, Syphilis, Genital Warts, Human Papilloma Virus…

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On 12th May, 2011 the Guyana Competence Team led by Nicole Cole and accompanied by Mr.Lydon Welch and Ms.Marlyn Waterman conducted a one day workshop at the National AIDS Programme Secretariat Head Office. The Participants were diverse with Regions 4, 6, 7, and 10 being represented. Mr. Welch and Ms. Waterman are junior facilitators who are practicing SALT in order to become AIDS Competent Facilitators. The audience was very warm and welcoming to the SALT…

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Under the Theme "Universal Access and Human Rights" Commissioner Cole along with UNFPA HIV Officer and the President of the Sunshine Support Group of the Campbellville Health Centre facilitated an awareness session with the Guyana Power and Light Company. The activity commenced with the reciting of the Lord's Prayers as we asked Jah to "deliver us from Evil and forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us". The Female condom was the focal point of this session because… Continue

The time has arrived for Women to be treated with Value and Respect by their male Partners...For too long Women were made to endure slavery, debauchery, exploitation and oppression by the Men in their lives who continue to beat, maim and kill them with impunity and without remorse...As Commissioner on the Women and Gender Equality Commission it is imperative that I remain vigilant to the fact that the Beijing Declaration that is fifteen years old has not had the momentum it should have… Continue