Hon. Sir John Swan.

Sir John was speaking at the launch of World AIDS Day at City Hall yesterday as a huge quilt was unravelled in memory of those who have died of the disease on the Island.

It is the fifth time that World AIDS Day has been held and over the last 10 years 175 Bermudians have died from the disease.

The Premier spoke outside City Hall where members of care groups, nurses, and families and friends of people who have died from the disease gathered.

Sir John said: "On this, the fifth annual World AIDS Day, Bermuda is once again delighted to join with the rest of the world in observing a day set aside to reflect on our care and treatment of persons with AIDS and their families.

"It is a day to increase communication, education and action designed to stop the transmission of the HIV virus throughout our population.'' Sir John praised the work of the Department of Health, Agape House, Supportive Therapy for AIDS Persons and Their Relatives (STAR) and King Edward Memorial Hospital, stating it was an example to other countries.

He said: "We need to educate our children and teenagers and others in the community about HIV and AIDS. No longer can we turn away from the reality, no longer can we call it a disease that affects only those on the fringes of society. It is a disease that knows no boundaries and that can affect each of us.

"We have to address what is a responsible sexual lifestyle. We must not be afraid to discuss openly the realities of reckless sexual behaviour.

"Every year since 1982 we have seen AIDS continue to afflict Bermuda at an alarming rate. Our AIDS-related deaths cumulative total now stands at 175 persons since 1982, and a total of 16 new cases have been diagnosed this year.

The end is not in sight.'' Health Minister, the Hon. Quinton Edness said: "Last year, I commented about the stigma which is still attributed to people with AIDS.

"This year, we as a community must continue to educate ourselves about AIDS, so as not to increase the stigma associated with the disease. We must work to reduce that stigma and dispel the myths and fears associated with HIV and AIDS.

"AIDS prevention involves all of us. Everyone can help prevent the further spread of AIDS by having family discussions and generally open communication about the disease.'' Shadow Health Minister, Mr. Nelson Bascome was at the launch to show that the fight against the disease had no political barriers in Bermuda.

Mr. Bascome said: "The keywords are community and commitment. There has to be a lot more education for young people. They are at greater risk than ourselves. One child has already been lost to the disease.

"We have got to get the message across that because we are not infected we are not affected.'' The quilt on show was made up of patches provided by friends and families of those who have died on the Island from the disease.

So far it contains 60 patches, stitched together at Agape House, but Volunteer Co-ordinator Ms Leonie Curtis said: "It does not matter how many patches are made for each person. We want this quilt to represent everyone who has died.

Next year we want it to cover the whole of the steps of City Hall.'' Mrs. Ivena Laurenceo, Health Promotion Co-ordinator, said: "The quilt is an expression of solidarity and hope. It comforts those who know about the tragedy and shows the enormity of their loss to the people of Bermuda.'' The quilt will be displayed at City Hall for the next week while discussions take place about a permanent site.

PATCHWORK OF LIVES -- Mrs. Patsie Wilson (left) comforts a distressed woman who has lost four members of her family to AIDS, during the unrolling of a memorial quilt at City Hall yesterday. The woman was too distressed to comment or give her name. (See story above).