Business leaders who are signatories to the Jamaica Business Council on HIV/AIDS strike a pose, following the launch of the Jamaica Business Council on HIV/AIDS held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel yesterday. - Junior Dowie / Staff Photographer

Nineteen companies yesterday signed an agreement which saw the launch of the Jamaica Business Council on HIV/AIDS. The launch was held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, under the theme, 'Good for People, Good for Business'.

What is the Jamaica Business Council on HIV/AIDS?

The formation of the council has been led by the Jamaica Employers' Federation (JEF). The council aims to facilitate a structured Jamaican business response to mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS by adopting policy prevention and treatment strategies at the workplace.

Why is it important?

The vision of the business council is to develop a Jamaican business culture where people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS are treated with respect and afforded the opportunity to work once they are able to, and to encourage sustainable workplace prevention strategies. It is also expected to eradicate stigma and discrimination in the workplace.

How can other companies join?

Companies must have registered business operations here.

Have or commit in writing to implementing a policy that addresses HIV/AIDS in the workplace.

Complete or have already completed the HIV/AIDS in the Workplace: Jamaica Corporate Survey for data collection.

Sign or have already signed the Corporate Values Statement within the survey.

Pay an annual subscription as will be agreed by members of council at the inaugural Business Council meeting, and reviewed annually by the council.

Who are the current members of the council?

Bank of Nova Scotia Limited; Cable & Wireless Jamaica Ltd.; Capital & Credit Financial Group; Cari-Med Ltd.; Carreras Group Ltd.; COK Cooperative Credit Union; GraceKennedy Ltd.; Island Grill; Jamaica Broilers Group Ltd.; Jamaica National Building Society; Jamaica Pegasus hotel; LASCO Group of Companies; Life of Jamaica Ltd.; Manpower Maintenance Services Ltd.; Paymaster Jamaica Ltd.; Red Stripe Diageo; Restaurant Associates Ltd.

Comments at the launch:

Professor Peter Figueroa, Chief, Epidemiology and AIDS in the Ministry of Health.

"It makes good business sense to have an HIV policy and programme at the workplace. It helps to protect the workforce from AIDS and promotes their health and welfare. It also helps to avoid disruption at work due to ignorance or myths about AIDS."

Karen Turner, Mission Director for US Agency for International Development (USAID)

"The fight against HIV/AIDS is one of Jamaica's greatest challenges. Successfully addressing this challenge requires cooperation, collaboration and the combination of resources.

"HIV/AIDS is not just a health issue. It is a social issue, an economic issue and certainly a business issue that affects all aspects of Jamaican life."

Audrey Hinchcliffe, president of JEF

"All these companies have made the commitment that where they do not already have written policies on HIV/AIDS, they will be establishing these within a short while from now.

"This will be greatly effective in reducing the incidence of discrimination and stigma that is unfortunately still practised against persons living with HIV/AIDS in some of our less enlightened companies."

Ryland Campbell, CEO and chairman of Capital and Credit Financial Group.

"We are all in this thing together. Together we must succeed in overcoming and help those affected to live in dignity and respect."