Desmond (right) and his father Patrick

His mantra is to understand, educate, prevent and help the public especially his peers to be cognizant and take seriously the consequences of their sexual health.

A 10th Grader at Cedar School, Desmond told Virgin Vybes that initially he was going to hand in a written project for his Mid Year Project (MYP), but after consulting with Government officials, church leaders and other stakeholders he decided to hold a walk.

“One church leader told me that HIV/AIDS is known, but not as the problem it has become, and that motivated me to organize this walk to show people that the youth can contribute to the awareness of the virus,” said Desmond, with a serious expression on his face.

What propelled him to become so involved in the fight against the scourge, that has killed millions worldwide, happened a few years ago while attending an AIDS conference here in the BVI.

‘It opened my eyes and it was then I got a true understanding of the virus and what fascinated me was how it [virus] affect the immune system,” the 10th Grader recalled.

Such startling information made him even more determined to keep up-to-date with the latest news on HIV/AIDS. And what worries him also is that persons who are living with the virus [especially in such a small community like the BVI] are too scared to seek help.

Therefore, it is hoped with the walk planned that ‘john public’ becomes more sensitised to the programmes available to assist them. The written project that Desmond compiled will be converted into pamphlet, which will be handed out during the walk. Additional pamphlets made available by Dr. Mc. Ananey will also be distributed.

Patrick Conway, Desmond’s father is pleased with his son’s initiative and is of the view it [the walk] comes at an opportune time to spread the knowledge of what is being done and the tolerance level. “There is still the discrimination problem and we have to admit it is going to be problem. Persons need to understand it is during that period support is needed,” Mr. Conway stressed.

He added that the education of the virus is about changing the cycle.

The walk begins at 8 a.m., but persons are asked to assemble at Captain Mulligans for 7: 45 a.m.  The route of the walk is from Nanny Cay to Sea Cow’s Bay [ Ebenezer Thomas School ], and water will be provided along the way.

The staff of Virgin Vybes is encouraging persons to come out and support this worthy cause.