In being role models to young people in Guyana and in the wider Caribbean, several Guyanese entertainers took the bold step in being tested for HIV/AIDS at the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) on Wednesday.
Leading by example were Melissa Roberts (Vanilla), Michelle King (Big Red), Adrian Dutchin, Roger Hinds (Young Bill Rogers), Jessica Xavier, Desiree Edghill, Wilbeur Levons (Lil Man) and Tenneisha.
All of the artistes agreed with the fact that their music and lifestyles do have an impact on youths in society, and as such they have a responsible role to play.
The artistes decided to take the test in support of the upcoming National Week of Testing being organized by the Ministry of Health and NAPS.
For Director of Artiste in Direct Support, Desiree Edghill, she still loves to have ‘lots of sex’ at the age of 54 and it is in this context she encourages the older population who are still sexually active to get tested and know their status.
But for Vanilla, since young people happens to be the biggest fans for Kross Kolor Records, she wants to ‘take the lead’ in getting tested for HIV although she has a phobia for needles.
“When young people approach you, from age 13 and up, they are having sex and little do we know they are…and they are our biggest fans and young people are our future and we need to look out for them.”
Being the youngest to take the test among the group, singer Tenneisha said that she has no fear of taking the test, something which many young people dread to do in today’s society.
“I just want Guyanese to know that as young as I am I am brave enough to take this step and young people can do it also.”
For Lil Man, he reiterated the importance of not only young people to know their status, but for the wider population as well.
“It is not the end of your life if you are tested positive for the virus because people could live a long time with a particular virus.”
But Jessica Xavier expressed the fact that entertainers are also human beings who are no different from anyone in society.
“What we are doing here basically indicates to young people that although we have our lives to live, we are getting tested and they should too.”
Young Bill Rogers commended the bold step taken by NAPS in their effort to make young people more aware about the dangers associated with the virus.
“If we as artistes take a step forward to know our status, then young people will do so too.”
Urging husbands and wives to make HIV testing a common thing in their lives was Big Red, who pointed out that children look up to their parents as leaders and as such, they should lead by example.