We have heard from many sources that some of these do-good organizations and institutions in Cayo have been warning the volunteers who come to avoid contact or relationships with ?the natives?. They are told that most of the people have AIDS. What is this? Just a few short years ago, Belize had only a few cases of AIDS and now we are the highest in Central America. This is not homegrown in Belize. It is something that has developed and spread from people who are either returning to Belize after living other places who have been infected with the virus as well as from the foreign visitors that brought the AIDS virus with them; and, unknowingly, transmitted it throughout our population.

So how can the people who come here say that Belizeans are the diseased carriers, warning the volunteers to avoid close contact with the people of the area when the AIDS virus originated some place else? This kind of slanderous and racist action must stop.

It is bad enough that (as we have been told) the cruise ship tourists are warned not to leave the Tourist Village or their group because Belize City is ruled by drug addicts and gangs, causing them to fear for their safety. We understand this is done to keep the money of the cruise passengers in a few people?s pockets.

But when we see this kind of ?warning? given to people who are supposed to be intelligent and who say they come with giving and generous motives, it is certainly a contradiction. How do you learn or assist or aid people you fear to connect with? You cannot.

Belize has laws that say there shall be no discrimination based on race or ethnic origins. We have also seen a massive effort, through ad campaigns, that aim to end discrimination against people who do have AIDS.

We hope the AIDS Commission will look into this kind of discriminatory behavior and that those involved will stop and think about their actions.

Candy Gonzalez

Thomas Caretela

George Gonzalez

Of WeBAD