Jamaica Aids Support changes executive director
AFTER 11 years at the helm of the Jamaica Aids Support, (JAS) Ian McKnight, human rights activist and AIDS worker, has decided to relinquish his post as executive director of the body. McKnight will be replaced by Dr Robert Carr, a health management consultant and lecturer at the University of The West Indies.
JAS is a non-governmental organisation that provides support and care for persons infected with the HIV/AIDS virus and educational programmes for high-risk groups and the general public on the dangers of the deadly disease.
JAS had announced earlier this year that its three branches islandwide would cease operations as funds had dried up. The organisation was handed a lifeline when corporate Jamaica gave a supportive hand. Sandals, Digicel, Cable & Wireless, International Insurance Brokers, The Carreras Group and All Fresh Bakery, came together to donate over $5,000,000 to the AIDS Support group. In addition, the JAS receives $7million through the Ministry of Health.
In accepting his new appointment, Carr pointed to the cash-strapped position the organisation now finds itself in.
“Some have reported that our financial difficulties are behind us. Nothing could be further from the truth. The next 12 months will mark a critical transition for us as we attempt to solve the problem of meeting costs not covered by traditional funding sources, while continuing to serve the very poor. Because these are the clients we serve, we cannot turn to charging fees to cover these costs,” Carr said, as he thanked the various persons and organisations who had supported the JAS in its hour of need.
The newly-appointed executive director pleaded with the public and private sector to support the fund-raising ventures that the JAS was putting in place. One such effort is a calendar and poster that the JAS is marketing. The poster and calendar are geared at removing the stigma attached to persons infected with the virus.
Meanwhile, in a bid to raise funds and remain afloat, JAS has been busy organising a bingo concert, a wine and cheese party and an art auction.
