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- Offers Free HIV Testing at Scotiabank King Street – July 9, 2010

Kingston, Jamaica, July 9, 2010 – Jamaicans will be able to access free HIV testing today as Scotiabank and the Ministry of Health observe international HIV testing day. Both organizations are encouraging the public visit Scotiabank King Street in downtown Kingston to check their status, get counseling in a bid to stop the spread of HIV. The testing being offered in Jamaica is part of a larger initiative which is being organized by the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership (CBMO) in 15 Caribbean territories who are observing Regional HIV Testing Day. Media partners in these territories have supported the initiative as part of their contribution to increasing awareness and fighting stigma.

“We see supporting Regional Testing Day 2010 as part of our ongoing commitment to raising awareness of HIV/AIDS,” said Kevin Teslyk, Managing Director, Caribbean East, Scotiabank. “While there is yet no cure for this disease, prevention and education remain cornerstones of HIV/AIDS awareness. Giving community members convenient access to testing facilities is paramount to raising awareness throughout the communities in which we live and work.”

Scotiabank Jamaica has been committed to the fight against HIV and has had several outreach programmes similarly aimed at promoting education about the disease and awareness among children, parents and the larger community. The Bank’s Speak Up Speak Out education programme in schools targeted children 9-12 years old with awareness messages and gives them an opportunity to become more knowledgeable and an outlet to express their views. The programme also reached parents and other caregivers through seminars, workshops and other interactive initiatives to share healthy lifestyle information. Staff have also undertaken fundraising initiatives to assist organization that support persons living with HIV and AIDS.

“Scotiabank is thrilled to partner with the CBMP for the third year of this growing program and we look forward to continuing our support of community initiatives that are vital to Jamaica and the regions in which we operate,” said Bruce Bowen, President and CEO Scotiabank. “Along with our other HIV and AIDS Awareness Initiatives, Regional Testing Day is an integral part of Scotiabank’s commitment to fight HIV/AIDS. We consider it vital not only to change mindsets regarding HIV/AIDS-related stigma but also in the critical area of testing.”

During Regional Testing Day 2009, approximately 5000 people from 14 territories visited a Scotiabank branch to be tested, a 200 per cent increase from the number tested in 2008. This year 15 territories are participating in Regional Testing Day, including: Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Scotiabank has been part of the Caribbean and Central America since 1889. It is now the leading bank in the region, with operations in 27 countries, including affiliates. Scotiabank has been in Jamaica since 1889 and is the premier financial institution in the country with just over 2,200 employees and 39 branches island wide. Scotiabank is a subsidiary of Scotiabank Group which offers a diverse range of products and services including personal, commercial, and small business banking; wealth management; insurance; and mortgages. The Scotiabank Group has $315 billion in assets (as at October 31, 2009). For more information please visit www.jamaica.scotiabank.com.