To conclude a month-long group training programme, HIV/AIDS Awareness and Care , July 2 – 30, The Collaboration for Ecumenical Planning and Action in the Caribbean, Central and (Northern) South America (CEPACASA), held a graduation and closing ceremony at Top of the Mount (St Benet's Hall) on Friday, July 29.

The ceremony began with an opening prayer by Rev Dr Alvin Bailey, chairman of CEPACASA. The hosts for the night's proceedings were Laura Dennis, a participant from Jamaica, and Sheldon O'Connor, a lecturer on the course.

There were 24 trainees from St Vincent , Cuba , St Kitts, Antigua , Dominican Republic , Curacao , Costa Rica , Jamaica , Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

The two local participants were Lesley-Ann Nelson and Carol Pompey. Nelcia Robinson, secretary of the organisation, gave an overview of the month's work. She spoke of the unique experience of 30 people (lecturers and trainees) of different countries, cultures and religions living in community at Top of the Mount.

The purpose of the programme was to develop a faculty to do training and create outreach programmes for their own countries.

Ms Robinson stated that out of the process came 21 objectives and 15 project proposals that participants could now take back to their countries and implement.

Next on the evening's programme was a graduation song “Carry Your Candle” performed by Jamaican participants, Lorenzo Jarrett, Alicia Harris and Laura Dennis.

Mark Kellman, Caricom Youth Ambassador and Psychology student from Barbados did the valedictory speech. He reflected on how they had impacted on each other in their time together, imprinting themselves and their cultures on one another. The five Spanish-speaking participants followed the valedictory speech with a Spanish song.

Reduction in population

Janice Able then introduced Rev Dr Alvin Bailey to give the feature address. Bailey said this graduation ceremony was the culmination of much activity, meetings, contention and learning.

The training programme, a result of hard work and planning, represented a new beginning for the trainees as they go back home. He said small investments can have life-changing impacts, illustrating this point by recounting two true stories in which common people invested all they had, which did not seem like much, and achieved great things for themselves and their communities.

Rev Bailey continued, saying that at its present rate HIV/AIDS may destroy more lives than the slave trade, and if the Caribbean continues in the way it is going a present, there will be a great reduction in the size of the regional population.

He used the opportunity to launch the Michael Ramcharan Foundation in honour of the late chairman of CEPACASA. In this launch the organisation gave scholarships to participants, Fisenthly Passial of Curaçao and Patricia Russel of Costa Rica, who acted as translators for those who could not understand English during the month of learning.

Rev Dr Alvin Bailey ended his speech, thanking all who contributed to make the programme a reality. Certificates of participation were then handed out to the proud participants. Sheena Seale ended with a vote of thanks and the rest of the evening was spent with participants and guests enjoying fun entertainment and a delicious meal.

CEPACASA is a movement for social concern and human development. It promotes ecumenism, poverty alleviation, justice and peace, networking and alliance formation, exchanges and training via courses for lay leadership.