By KRYSTEL ROLLE, Guardian Staff Reporter, krystel@nasguard.com

The AIDS Foundation is pledging to strengthen its efforts in the fight against HIV and AIDS, in the wake of the murder of Wellington "Welly" Adderley, who was stabbed to death in his home last week.

In a statement sent to The Guardian yesterday, the AIDS Foundation announced a candlelight vigil to be held in Adderley's memory next Tuesday (June 10). The vigil will take place at the Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas on Sands Road (between East Street and Elizabeth Avenue), from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The foundation described Adderley as a "passionate advocate" for persons living with the virus.

"This is a devastating loss to all who knew and worked with Wellington in The Bahamas, the Caribbean region and indeed the world. Condolences have come in to the foundation from international, regional and local organizations. As a result of the important legacy left by Solomon Wellington Adderley, the AIDS Foundation of The Bahamas will overcome this senseless act of cruelty and grow stronger and more dedicated to the fight against HIV and AIDS, including the battle to end stigma and discrimination against persons living with the virus in The Bahamas," said the statement.

Adderley, whose throat had reportedly been slit, was found lying in a pool of blood in his Delancey Street apartment on May 26. His body was found by police, who had to force their way into the apartment after he was reported missing by concerned neighbors.

Adderley's apartment sits on top of the AIDS Foundation building, where he was the administrator since 2003. Police still have no suspects in custody in connection to the case; however investigations continue, said Assistant Superintendent Walter Evans. "Police are still investigating this incident. We are still trying to identify a suspect or suspects and anyone who is responsible for this crime. We are actively pursuing the case," ASP Evans told The Guardian yesterday.

In his role as administrator of the AIDS Foundation, he was active in the discharge of the foundations' goal of educating the public about HIV and AIDS. He knew that the reduction of the incidence of HIV and AIDS and the accompanying prejudice would only be realized through education and awareness in the wider community, the statement noted.

"He was a passionate advocate in the fight against stigma and discrimination directed at persons living with HIV and AIDS. He was generous and caring to those in need and always willing to defend the rights of the downtrodden. Mr. Adderley would not tolerate injustice and prejudice. He was determined and dedicated to the creation of a better Bahamas," the statement continued.

Adderley was involved in a number of activities in The Bahamas. He was the charter president of BNN+ (Bahamas National Network for Positive Living), a member of The Bahamas Human Rights Network, a charter member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Bahamas Chapter, a judge for the National Junkanoo Committee and a member of Bethel Baptist Church, said the statement.

In the Caribbean region, he was a board member of CRN+ (Caribbean Regional Network for Positive Living), and a founding member of the Caribbean Treatment Action Group and the International Preparedness Coalition Regional Network (organizations dedicated to assisting the fight against HIV and AIDS and advocating for the rights of persons living with HIV and AIDS in the region), it was added.

Director of the AIDS Secretariat Dr. Perry Gomez told The Guardian recently that Adderley would be remembered for his dedication and commitment to his work.

"He was an activist and he was one of the first persons living with AIDS who went public in The Bahamas. So he was a leader in that regard, in going public about his status, and unashamedly so. What we need more of in this country is more people to be like him, to be prepared to stand up and say, 'yes, I am HIV positive...so what?' And until such time as we have more people doing that, we will always have this issue of stigma and discrimination — and that's what he was fighting against," Dr. Gomez continued.

"I will miss his involvement in everything," he added.