minister the Rev. David Chisling who returned to Canada last week.

Foundation chairman Mr. Martin Smith said it is estimated that the world-wide AIDS epidemic will reach the 40 million mark by the end of the century.

Thanking Rev. Chisling on behalf of the directors of the Foundation, Mr. Smith said that the Canadian minister had been one of the first to recognise that Bermuda had a problem which it was reluctant to face.

Paying tribute to his work with the Foundation, Mr. Smith said it was largely thanks to Rev. Chisling that the idea for the Foundation had been born.

The AIDS service organisation was formed in November of last year in memory of Mr. Smith's son, Allan, who died of AIDS in 1991.

As part of its overall aim to provide assistance to persons with AIDS and those who become HIV positive, the Foundation has recently established a confidential telephone helpline.

Rev. Chisling's departure to Canada, said Mr. Smith, would be a tremendous loss for the AIDS cause and for Bermuda in general.

FAREWELL GIFT -- Chairman of the Allan Vincent Smith Foundation, Mr. Martin Smith (right) presents a gift to Rev. David Chisling.