support for those who have lost loved ones to AIDS.

At an emotional World AIDS Day proclamation ceremony at City Hall, both Health Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness and Shadow Health Minister Mr. Nelson Bascome called for the community to step up the fight against the spread of the disease.

"It is time, not only for public health officials, educators, nurses and doctors to act, but also for community groups, social clubs, and most importantly for individuals to act,'' Mr. Edness said, referring to the theme of the sixth annual World AIDS Day, "Time To Act''.

"It is time for each of us to take responsibility, and commit to helping prevent the further spread of HIV infection and AIDS.'' Noting that some 14 million people worldwide have been infected with the AIDS virus and more than 2.5 million have gone on to develop full-blown AIDS, Mr.

Edness said: "AIDS cannot be cured, but HIV infection can be prevented. It is time to make education and prevention our number one priority.'' Reflecting on what has been accomplished in the fight against AIDS locally this year, he said the education and prevention movement had gained momentum.

"We, as a community, are now talking more openly and honestly about HIV information, AIDS and prevention,'' he said.

"Politicians, public health officials, educators and doctors can address the problems presented by AIDS, but only the community can prevent the further spread of this issue.'' Mr. Bascome said while he believed the from work of the AIDS Day committee, health officials, and others attending the ceremony that Bermuda could form a commission to focus on AIDS year round, the commitment from the business community "must be greater''.

He said there was a need for more coverage and rights for infected employees.

"Even we who are sometimes in a position to make policies have to go beyond those political things and get to the root of this problem,'' he said, fighting back tears. "I've had family and friends lost to AIDS and I don't think we can any longer look at how one feels it anymore. We have to look at how we're going to get our community to know it.'' Leaving the podium, Mr. Bascome was met with a handshake and hug from Mr.

Edness.

A second panel of a quilt in memory of those who have died from AIDS was also unveiled at the ceremony. The main quilt, which consists of 60 squares each representing an individual, hangs at Bank of N.T. Butterfield's Rosebank Centre.