Local magistrate honored for works in HIV advocacy

Magistrate Gloria Septra Augustus has been honored for her efforts in reducing the spread and impact of HIV in Dominica and the Caribbean.

For years Augustus has spearheaded and participated in a number of HIV educational initiatives including a recent film “It Only Takes One” which she wrote and co-produced.

On November 2, 2010, she was presented with the Caribbean Coalition of National AIDS Program (CCNAP) Community Based Leadership Award in St Maarten.

Augustus vowed to use this privileged position and any publicity that it would bring to further assist the National HIV Response Unit in their efforts to implement the National Strategic Plan, particularly in the role of advocacy.

Septra, as she prefers to be called, wears many hats apart from serving as a “family court” magistrate. She is the President of Le Cour Des Art De La Dominique Inc which has applied to UNESCO under its Island Visioning Project for funds to conduct sessions on HIV education with particular emphasis on human rights.

She has also teamed up with colleagues to conduct the first ever educational session for police prosecutors and legal practitioners – HIV101.

Augustus works closely with the National HIV Response Unit and has facilitated several educational forums for middle and top management of the public service on behalf of the unit.

The Caribbean Council of Churches, Waterfront and Allied Workers Union, support groups, MSM educational groups, secondary schools, and UNIFEM have requested her services to facilitate HIV sessions, according to Augustus.

“My involvement has also been through the media and several television appearances,” she said in a presentation at the award ceremony.

“I am super delighted to receive this award and I look forward to continue to work with this new face as a recognized HIV advocate,” she stated.

Two other people, including Dr Henrick Ellis of Barbados, also received Awards.