The Tynwald building will be lit up in red on Saturday evening in support of the island’s HIV Support Group’s ‘Turning the Island Red’ campaign on the eve of World AIDS Day, Sunday, December 1.
In addition, a candlelight vigil will be held and prayers said outside the building from 9pm.
Ahead of the event, Lee Clarke-Vorster and Tony Watterson of the HIV Support Group presented the President of Tynwald, Clare Christian, with a red ribbon - the universal symbol of HIV awareness and support - encrusted with red crystals.
Mr Clarke-Vorster , who is also the founder of the Manx Rainbow Foundation, said: ‘We are so very grateful to Madam President and Mr Speaker for their support and for granting us permission to turn “the Wedding Cake” red for one night only as part of the Island’s contribution to World AIDS Day. We are also delighted that the president has agreed to wear the ribbon, a move we feel sure will inspire the Isle of Man community to show their support for those living with HIV and pay respect to those lost to the virus.’
Mrs Christian said: ‘Mr Speaker and I applaud the efforts of the Manx Rainbow Foundation to promote HIV awareness campaigns, challenge the stigma of the condition and support those living with the virus. To this end I hope illuminating the Tynwald building red on November 30 will lend visibility to their campaign.’
Last week we {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/police-are-to-wear-red-ribbons-on-aids-day-1-6255132|reported that the island’s police officers were to wear red ribbons to mark World Aids Day}, which prompted a lot of comments on our website.