By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

The Ministry of Health and Quinton “Barabbas” Woodside joined hands on Independence Day to stage another “Don’t Get Caught Unpeeled” Junkanoo rush.

Funded by the US Embassy’s PEPFAR Small Grants Program, the Junkanoo Fun Group participated in the Independence Day Junkanoo Parade to spread HIV/AIDS awareness.

The Ministry of Health’s popular banana-themed campaign captured the attention of Bahamians months ago when loudly coloured murals popped up across New Providence. The banana-themed campaign promoted safe sex under the message “Don’t Get Caught Unpeeled.”

For the Independence Day Junkanoo parade, the campaign promoted a new message about loving faithfully: “You only have one banana. Why give everyone a piece?”

The campaign deemed the message important, because having sex with multiple partners increases a person’s chance of encountering someone who is HIV positive.

The idea of the original artwork was launched and organised by the National HIV/AIDS Centre, the Ministry of Health and PEPFAR. They commissioned community artists to design wall murals for high traffic areas in Fox Hill, Arawak Cay, Blue Hill Road and Mackey Street.

Paula Bowleg, PEPFAR programme manager told Tribune Health: “We thought the murals would have been a better way to really reach more of the masses, who don’t really come in to attend the community outreach activities that we have.”

“Now people can just drive by and see the murals. We have gotten feedback and it has been very encouraging. Persons have asked us where can they go to get tested and where can they come to get free condoms,” said Ms Bowleg.

Private volunteers from throughout the community supported the Junkanoo group made up of Barabbas and the Tribe members and staff from the US Embassy, Ministry of Health, HIV/AIDS Centre and PEPFAR.
Led by Mr Woodside, participants in the Junkanoo rush included Hyacinth Pratt, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health; Marva Jervis, Manager, Ministry of Health/The National HIV/AIDS Centre; and Paula Bowleg.

PEPFAR media specialist Maxine Seymour, said the overall purpose of the Junkanoo Fun Group was to distribute HIV-related information, male and female condoms and lubricant to the crowds gathered at the parade.

“This is the second time the popular banana-themed “Don’t Get Caught Unpeeled” campaign was featured as part of a Junkanoo fun group. The message was featured in the New Year’s Day parade this past January. There was a significant difference this time as the Embassy’s grant allowed for a more pronounced presence on Bay Street; the prevention campaign did not go unnoticed,” said Ms Seymour.

According to the US Embassy’s website, the PEPFAR Small Grants Program provides US government funding to NGOs, schools and community organisations in The Bahamas that are committed to promoting prevention activities focused on reducing the spread of HIV, reducing AIDS related stigma and discrimination, and encouraging the local community to participate in fighting the epidemic.

Since 2009, the US Embassy has provided over $118,000 in PEPFAR grant funding to Bahamian organisations targeting at-risk groups on New Providence, Grand Bahama, and the Family Islands.

Ms Seymour said the partnership with Mr Woodside, who founded Barrabus and the Tribe, and now manages a Junkanoo museum and art centre, allowed the Ministry of Health to remain true to the sound and spirit of Junkanoo, while incorporating a serious message.