JULY 26, 2007, HAMILTON – In conjunction with the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS, Inter-Island Communications Ltd (HOTT 107.5 FM & MAGIC 102.7 FM) and the Bermuda Government Department of Health have signed a local partnership agreement to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in Bermuda. The purpose of the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign is to encourage safe sex practices, HIV/AIDS testing for at risk members of the public, and provision of education and sensitivity training towards persons living with HIV/AIDS. 

Inter-Island Communications Ltd. (IIC), became a registered partner of the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS in August of 2006, and adopted the organization’s mantle of spreading HIV/AIDS programming via its media properties. The Bermuda Government Department of Health will benefit from the agreement by gaining direct access to a rich resource of radio, television and web based HIV/AIDS education content and co-branding of all HIV/AIDS public services announcements carried on Inter-Island Communications radio, television and web site. The Department of Health will provide Bermuda centric HIV/AIDS data to our international partners and a resource for joint community outreach programs that will be organized by the partners.

Popular HOTT 107 5 afternoon personality Ms. Kristy Burgess a.k.a. Ms. Thang, will be the official station spokesperson for the HIV/AIDS awareness, although all Inter-Island Communications staff will support the initiative. In addition to public services announcements that will be featured daily on Inter-Island Communications radio properties; a portion of the company’s new web site has also been dedicated to HIV/AIDS education of Caribbean youth. All media and material on the web site has been developed in collaboration with our international partners including the Caribbean Broadcasting Media Partnership, the Kaiser Family Foundation, BET, MTV and others. The educational material can be found at www.hott1075.com on the HIV AIDS LIVE UP Campaign page.

R. Scott Pearman, Chief Operating Officer for IIC stated, “We are excited to embark on this charitable initiative with the Department of Health. Our international partners will enable us to bring incredible media resources to the table and by partnering with the Department of Health we are confident that we will be able to focus those resources in areas that make the most sense in the Bermuda context.”

Minister of Health, Mr. Michael Scott, MP, supports this new partnership stating, “HIV/AIDS is part of the Government’s National Health Promotion Strategy. This initiative presents an exciting opportunity for the Department of Health and Inter-Island Communication to advance the promotion of HIV/AIDS awareness in the community and reach young people and young adults in new ways.  This is an excellent opportunity to promote a Well Bermuda for all.”