Commander Defence Force Commodore Raymond King, along with Officers and Marines of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, attended the annual World AIDS/HIV Church Service on November 29, 2024, at St. Agnes Anglican Church.
The event, hosted by the National HIV/AIDS Centre under the theme “Take the Right Path,” emphasized the importance of making informed and positive choices in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.
Among those in attendance were Dr. Nikkiah Forbes, Director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Program, along with representatives from the Bahamas Department of Corrections (BDOCS), C.R. Walker Senior High School, and Xavier’s Primary School. During her remarks, Dr. Forbes highlighted that in 2023 approximately 4,098 individuals were living with HIV in The Bahamas.
World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, promotes solidarity against HIV stigma, supports those living with HIV, and honors lives lost to AIDS. This year’s theme calls for collective action to protect health by safeguarding human rights, urging all to “take the right path.”
The red ribbon, a longstanding symbol of awareness and support for those affected by HIV, remains a powerful emblem of solidarity. As noted during the service, making a difference means not only wearing a red ribbon yourself but also encouraging friends, colleagues, and family to do the same.
Through participation in initiatives like this, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force reaffirms its commitment to fostering unity, raising awareness, and supporting national health efforts.
Photos by W/M Aaliyah Taylor
