Despite a poor turn out, several local artists took to the stage at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall as part of the third annual Artists Against AIDS Song Writing Competition organized by the BVI HIV/AIDS Foundation and through their lyrics in hip hop and reggae style, the message about the deadly virus was echoed by every artist.

The audience at Saturday night´s event which consisted mainly of youths, was visibly paying strong attention to the artists´ music where they stressed ways of preventing HIV/AIDS.

"Young people don´t want to wait until them get old to have sex...still a virgin but she don´t sell pizza because she listen to her mother," those were some of the lyrics coming from Top Notch Soul Jahz during their performance.

Other artists that performed included Fed Up, A.B.M, Vendom Boyz, Artful, Country Boyz, Higher Level, VI Lander All-Starz, CB 4 Lyfe and Jared. The message of being wise and condomise, abstinence and faithfulness were all part of the songs.

However, at the end of the night only seven persons/groups were chosen as semi finalists to go into the next stage of the competition. The semi finalists are Country Boyz, Higher Level, Top Notch Soul Jahz, Vendom Boyz, CB 4 Lyfe, Krown Heights and A.B.M.

The HIV/AIDS Foundation believes that the event provides a significant opportunity for the Foundation to promote sexual health and increase the Territory´s young people awareness and consciousness of HIV. To this end, the Foundation has encouraged the youth to create original pieces of music focused on HIV to be entered into competition at the concert.

Meanwhile, Sandra Walters Malone, Chairman of the HIV/AIDS Foundation in her remarks said that the concert which is a fundraiser is part of making people aware of the risk of contracting HIV and the things they can do to avoid or reduce the possibility of becoming infected.

Malone said that the young people, like the ones involved in the concert are very much in need of education, "but also it is young people like those who are here tonight who can educate others. We are happy that so many young people have registered to take part."

The Chairman also revealed that the Foundation spends some $140,000.00 yearly to provide medical care for the 28 persons living with HIV/AIDS which use the service. "Most of that money comes from individuals and organizations and through fund raising events like this one."

Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Dancia Penn-Sallah in her brief remarks said that the concert is a significant opportunity for young people to gather together and communicate about HIV/AIDS in their own style.

The Minister also reiterated the Government´s support for the Foundation and noted that there is annual funding grant for the Foundation.

There was also a motivational speech by Mrs. Luce Maldonado-Vanderperk who has been living with the virus for the last 16 years.

The Master of Ceremonies for the concert was Craig Lake known as DJ Push Pop.

The HIV-AIDS Foundation is the lead local Non-Government/non-profit organization that provides funds for pregnant women to access free HIV testing during pregnancy and for persons living with HIV to receive free treatment and care.