The goal of the workshop is to strengthen participants capacity to effectively develop a national workplace policy on HIV and AIDS. The Department of Labor is currently in the process of developing a National HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy in collaboration with the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team (PMT).
"When I was a member of the Chamber of Commerce I introduced an HIV workplace policy, which they signed off on, and was part of their policy, I also gave a copy of the policy to then Commissioner of Health, Franklyn Meyers," said Minister Cornelius De Weever. The minister also stated during his remarks on Thursday morning, that it is important for us to adhere to ILO Recommendation No. 200 Concerning HIV and AIDS and the World of Work.
"This is an opportune time given all progress that St. Maarten has made regarding HIV/AIDS," said Minister De Weever.
This National HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy is being developed to ensure a uniform and fair approach to the effective prevention of HIV/AIDS among employees and their families, and provide social protection within the workplace to employees directly impacted by HIV. The principles of the policy include the recognition of HIV as a workplace issue, non-discrimination in employment, screening and confidentiality, social dialogue, gender equality, prevention and care, treatment and support as critical components for addressing the epidemic in the workplace.
