Dominica - Life Goes On

Life Goes On (LGO) can boast of a successful year in spite of a few challenges but as a PLWHA support group, we strive to enhance everyone.

Life Goes On has a total membership of 10 infected and 15 whom are affected. In December 2005, LGO had a welcomed visit from CRN+ Officers in the persons of Yolanda Simon, C.E.O, Trionne Major, Communications Officer, and Patricia St Bernard, Programme Manager. An Advocacy Workshop was held as part of their activities.

Thirty- six support group meetings were held during the reporting period where persons could openly express their feelings and even stresses of life as a persons living with HIV/AIDS. LGO continues to provide home care for one of our members whereby he is provided with a meal and emotional support.

Life Goes On also distributed educational materials, CRN+ publications and LGO brochures at public events such as Carnival and World Creole Music Festival. During the year we had several media interviews including Kari FM and SAT Telecom interviews with a representative from CRN+.

Nutritionist Jacqueline Prevost, by request of the National AIDS Programme, conducted a nutrition workshop to assist PLWA and their families to understand the importance of nutrition in HIV/AIDS care. In addition

the HIV Programme has conducted ongoing VCT training for LGO members.

Members from the Life Goes On group participated in meetings in Grenada, Trinidad, Guyana, St. Lucia, Barbados, Amsterdam, Jamaica, Antigua and also Toronto, Canada for the XVI International AIDS Conference. In addition members of Life Goes On are employed with the National AIDS Unit as fulltime and part time employees.

One of our major activities for the year is the managing of a Dial-A-Ride service in our new premises. We are now in our new offices, with assistance from the TIDES Foundation and we are also awaiting assistance from the government of Dominica without which we may have to close our premises.

LGO members are currently involved in an income-generating project whereby jewellery is made and sold both locally and overseas.

In the coming year, Life Goes On hopes to see continued close collaboration between Board and Executive Committee and other stakeholders, including the National HIV/AIDS Response Programme.