children living with HIV or AIDS.

This weekend, residents and visitors alike will be able to attend various events aimed at "Giving Children Hope in a World with AIDS''.

The global missions of the World AIDS campaign, according to organisers, include fewer children infected, fewer children affected, and fewer children who are vulnerable to the impact of HIV/AIDS.

Locally, the official opening of the remembrance weekend will be announced by Premier Pamela Gordon during a Proclamation Ceremony on Friday.

At 12.45 p.m. the House of Assembly, general public and representatives from every primary, middle, and high school will gather on the grass of the Cabinet Building to listen to Ms Gordon read the AIDS Proclamation.

A 12-foot-tall AIDS ribbon will be introduced at the beginning of the ceremony and individual red ribbons will be tied on by everyone in attendance.

Later in the day, Agape House and The Friends of Hospice will lead a Tree of Lights Ceremony at City Hall.

The 20-foot tree -- decorated with some 2,400 red ribbons -- will be lit at 6 p.m. in remembrance of the terminally ill.

During this time, Santa Claus will make his first appearance on the Island and the giant AIDS ribbon will also be relocated to City Hall.

On Saturday night "anyone between the ages of 15 and 115'' can take part in a fund raiser for children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.

The "Dance Because You Care'' party -- organised by the Allan Vincent Smith Foundation -- will take place at the Palm Reef Hotel from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Participants will rack up sponsorships in support of sending such children to a nurturing summer camp in the United States.

There will be four dance rooms playing either soca, reggae, disco or 70s music. The giant AIDS ribbon will also be displayed in the hotel during the entire dance.

On Sunday evening, the Anglican Cathedral will conduct a Candlelight Procession and Ecumenical Church Service.

The processional will meet at 6.15 p.m. on the grounds of City Hall for prayers and candle lighting.

The solemn walk to the Cathedral will begin at 6.30 p.m. with the service commencing at 7 p.m. The giant AIDS ribbon will also be part of the procession.

World AIDS Day will be commemorated on Monday, December 1 and for the entire day the Allan Vincent Smith Foundation will distribute red ribbons throughout the City of Hamilton.

The giant AIDS ribbon will return to City Hall where members of the public are urged to tie on a ribbon.

World AIDS Day events Friday: 12.45 p.m. AIDS Day Proclamation in the Cabinet Office grounds.

6 p.m. Tree of Lights lit at City Hall Saturday: 6-11 p.m. "Dance Because You Care'' party at Palm Reef Hotel.

Sunday: 6.15 p. m. Candlelight Procession from City Hall to the Anglican Cathedral for 7 p.m. ecumenical church service.

Monday: World AIDS Day distribution of red ribbons.