BERMUDA CABLEVISION TO HOST “SATURDAYS WITH THE GM”

(Hamilton, Bermuda, May 07, 2009) - Bermuda CableVision has selected Carolyn Armstrong, Coordinator of Light House and Director of STAR (Supportive Therapy for AIDS Persons and Their Relatives) as its newest quarterly Community Service Award Recipient. Mrs. Armstrong was honoured today at an event held at BUEI, attended by the Minister of Health, the Hon. Nelson Bascome, JP, MP.

Since STAR was founded in 1986, Mrs. Armstrong has become the face of HIV and AIDS advocacy in Bermuda. In running STAR, it became evident to Mrs. Armstrong and her colleagues that Bermuda was in need of a welcoming, home-like environment for those infected with HIV, who do not require full-time hospice or hospital care. In May, 1993 that vision was realised. Light House was opened under Mrs. Armstrong's administration and has been a home to 133 people over the past 16 years.

“We wanted to create a facility that would truly be a home for our residents, not a medical facility,” explains Mrs. Armstrong. “Light House is a safe haven that offers shelter, food, health supervision and spiritual support. It is a home for the homeless living with HIV, for those who cannot live independently.”

Light House is a warm and caring place with ample room for those who call it home. The residence is comprised of five bedrooms, one private room and four with two beds. As many as 13 people have resided at Light House at one time. For the first three years of its operation men were the sole residents. During its third year of operation, a mother and her son moved in. Presently, the facility is open to men, women and children, and has provided housing for entire families. While it is not a medical facility, a nurse from the Department of Health visits regularly, as does a district nurse when necessary. There is also a staff of two salaried workers and an office coordinator who is also the live-in supervisor.

Residents of Light House who are employed pay for their room and board and others receive financial assistance from the Bermuda Government. Since its inception, the facility has welcomed many residents who, prior to finding a home at Light House, had been without shelter and living on limited resources.

According to the Department of Health's 2008 Annual Report on HIV/AIDS in Bermuda, the HIV/AIDS epidemic was first documented in Bermuda in 1982. By December 31st, 2008, 711 people had been diagnosed with HIV, with 423 dying from the disease and 288 surviving. The report indicates that AIDS diagnoses and deaths have declined and stabilised since 1997.

“With medical care and treatments, those infected with HIV are living longer, healthier lives than those who were diagnosed 20 years ago,” says Mrs. Armstrong. “As such, we encourage the residents to learn how to support themselves, with the goal of living independently outside of Light House. Three of our residents have returned to school, while others have succeeded in securing employment. Once a resident has the financial resources and no longer needs our full-time support, we assist them with networking and locating apartments for independent living. In the early years, most of the residents stayed at Light House until they became very ill, and then moved on to Agape House. Today, residents can stay in the home for as long as they need the comprehensive support, including housing. After leaving Light House, the client is given continuing support through our community based programme. Many residents have done well in the community, managing and living with HIV.”

The Minister of Health, the Hon. Nelson Bascome, JP, MP congratulates Mrs. Armstrong on receiving the Community Service Award. “Mrs. Armstrong offers a vital service to persons living with HIV in the community, as well as their loved ones who are affected by the virus. Mrs. Armstrong and her staff help to make life easier and as normal as possible for those living with HIV. How wonderful that they have the support and security of Light House. I congratulate Carolyn Armstrong on receiving her award today.”

Terry Roberson, General Manager of Bermuda CableVision, says: “We are really pleased to present the Community Service Award to someone who has made a difference in so many people's lives-both those living with HIV and their families and friends. Under Carolyn Armstrong's direction, Light House has given its residents a home they can take pride in. It is home to celebrations and family events. Residents of Light House receive immeasurable support that helps them in their day-to-day lives. We applaud Carolyn Armstrong for her vision and dedication.”

Mrs. Armstrong says: “It is humbling to receive CableVision's Community Service Award. At STAR and Light House, we try to go about doing our work quietly so that we can maintain confidentiality and normalcy for our residents. At the same time, it is wonderful to be recognised. ”

In honour of Mrs. Armstrong, CableVision is making a $1,000 donation to Light House in her name.

A committee reviews all nominations and selects a winner for the quarterly CableVision Community Service Award. The committee is comprised of CableVision employee Rollin Nathan; DeFontes radio host Shirley Dill; police media manager Dwayne Caines; and community activist Cromwell Shakir.

Bermuda CableVision will present its next Community Service Award in July. The company invites the public to nominate any individual residing in Bermuda who has shown outstanding community service through participation in a school, church or charity organisation, or through their own determination.

Nominations can be emailed to Rollin Nathan at rnathan@cablevision.bm, or mailed to the attention of Rollin Nathan, Bermuda CableVision, P.O. Box 1642, Hamilton, HM GX. For further information, visit www.cablevision.bm.