Award for Action on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights – CVC and Dr. Robert Carr

The Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC) and Dr. Robert Carr received the 2011 Awards for Action on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights which was jointly awarded by the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and Human Rights Watch. This award was announced at the Legal Network’s Annual General Meeting and Annual Symposium on HIV, Law and Human Rights held in Toronto on June 11, 2010.

Dr Robert Carr

“We are humbled and honoured to receive this prestigious award not only because it recognizes the sterling work being done by the organisation, but because it is held jointly with founder, the late Dr. Robert Carr who died from ”sudden cardiac death” on May 10, 2011 in Toronto, Canada,” said Dr. Marcus Day, CVC’s Board Chair.

Dr Marcus Day

The Award has a cash component of US$5,000 which will be used to continue the advocacy work around key marginalized groups in Jamaica and globally that Dr. Carr started. Dr. Carr lobbied at the highest levels for the rights of vulnerable groups such as persons who use drugs, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, sex workers, women and girls and persons living with HIV. The award will support advocacy programmes which will continue through the Robert Carr Memorial Fund.

Dr. Carr’s life and work was celebrated at services in Toronto, Canada, Jamaica and New York. Similar events will be held in Geneva and Trinidad and Tobago.

”Our son would be delighted to know that his life and work is being recognized in this tangible way. We are aware that so much more has to be done and we pledge our support, “his father, Peter Carr said.

Peter Carr

Dr. Day stated that “CVC is committed to redoubling all its effort to ensure that the vulnerable populations that were front and center of Robert’s life continue to get the prominence that is so lacking.”

The Awards for Action on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights is given in recognition of excellence and long-term commitment to work having a direct impact on HIV/AIDS and human rights issues, in particular work that is of direct relevance to marginalized individuals and communities. An award is presented annually to one Canadian and one international recipient.

Please contact Ian McKnight at 474-8847 or by Email