Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

( L - R ) Cummings, Chen

WESTERN BUREAU:

President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Wayne Cummings, has classified some of the country's private- and public-sector leaders as "uninformed" for proposing to test and screen the workforce for HIV/AIDS.

Speaking at the unveiling of the docudrama, Unfold the Truth for Life - Follow Facts not Fashion, on World AIDS Day, Monday, the JHTA official blasted the country's leaders for starting the process of arresting the debilitating disease at ground zero.

"I am not saying that Government has not been very helpful to a lot of people, but they have failed and so has the private sector, by giving the situation the best of lip service," stated Cummings in his address to educators, students, hospitality workers and sponsors of the accelerated private-sector response programme steered by Sandals, Beaches and the Negril Chamber of Commerce.

Response to criticism

In response to the criticism, president of the Jamaica Employers' Federation (JEF), Wayne Chen, told The Gleaner the testing proposal was in line with accepted practices worldwide and was fully recognised by the International Labour Organisation.

"We are aware that it is a very sensitive issue, one we have to confront at individual and family level, and know that as employers we cannot force people to be tested, we would rather urge them to get tested."

The Department for International Development funded the $4.2-million prevention and awareness programme aimed at unveiling the truth and fiction about HIV/AIDS to adolescents in the parishes of Hanover, St James and Westmoreland.

"We have a job to stand up now and defend the cause of those affected with HIV," Cummings urged the audience, while revealing his intimate understanding, having lost friends and family members to the disease.

Disagreed with belief

Clearly disheartened by the recent debate in Parliament pertaining to the workplace policy for persons suffering with HIV/AIDS, he said he disagreed with the belief that employers should have the right to test employees.

"The problems that Jamaica has had is the stigma attached to this and if we continue to drive people underground, the disease will continue to be a scourge on our nation," Cummings said. He added that once the disease is well managed, people living with it can be productive, hard-working employees.

He said the private sector has failed in that it has not availed itself of the information and that it should be lobbying Government to protect people living with the condition.

"Their largest grouse is what they expect to be their bottom line in health care," Cummings summarised.

Taking off his JEF hat, Chen, the Super Plus Food Stores boss, said his personal view was that he should have the right to test his employees.

"I am in the food business and all my workers must have food handler's permits, so I am in a different situation."

He was quick to point out that employers who screen their workers should ensure they don't use the information to discriminate against their employees.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com