Access to HIV Services for Mobile and Migrant Populations in Antigua

oyfriends. One participant also said at the end “besides when they get off work
is when we preparing to start work”. That was referring to non-CSW women.
10- What kind of family and friend and social support do you have?
Four of the participants stated that their co-workers were their greatest source of
support because they understood them, knew what they did and accepted them
anyway. They could talk about their experiences and borrow condoms from each
other. One person stated that her boyfriend was supportive from overseas and she
would call, text and bb with him, but he did not know that she was a sex worker in
Antigua. Most of the participants said that they sent money home to their families
but their families at home had too much of their own stress to support them
emotionally and one of the Guyanese participants said that her family thought it
was easy being in Antigua and that she had lots of access to US dollars because
her mother believed that she was working at a hotel. One of the girls stated that
she had a few friends in Antigua as her social support.
11- What ideas and suggestions do you have to improve HIV&AIDS prevention,
education, treatment and support in Antigua?
The participants were hesitant to answer this question as they did not feel like
their suggestions had much weight. They clearly were not empowered about their
situation. When they were reassured that their voices will be heard, they ventured
their opinions.
Free condoms and free medication for people who are HIV positive. Not just the
HIV medication, but also for when they were afflicted with opportunistic
infections. (Flu and cold was mentioned as well as gynecological issues like yeast
infections or urinary tract infections).
Counselors for when dancers and sex workers are stressed out. They felt like their
challenges were not understood or acknowledged enough. They go through
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