NURSE ROSE Gaynor, Sexual Transmitted Infection (STI) Contact Investigator for St. Ann, has urged young people in the parish to focus on positive images and "leave sexual activities until you can take responsibility for yourselves and the consequences".
She was speaking at a recent education session organised by the Optimist Club of Bamboo at the school, as part of the activities to observe November as Youth Month.
Nurse Gaynor told the students that unsafe and irresponsible sexual behaviours could lead to the contraction of STIs, including HIV/AIDS. "You do not contract STIs by sitting on a toilet seat, because infections including gonorrhoea and syphilis are transmitted sexually by persons engaged in unsafe sex," she said.
The Contact Investigator urged the students to set achievable goals and move toward them, noting that a sound educational background was the key to success.
Pointing to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) as a career option, Sergeant James Grant, Officer in charge of the Bamboo Police Station, told the students that with self-discipline and education, they could reach any level in the Force.
He told the youngsters that to be a part of the Force, "you must seek to be committed, be a lover of people, and be willing to serve your country".
At the function, two grade eight students, Chantelle Davey and Kemoy Dickens were given book vouchers valued at $1,000 each.
The students were selected based on their academic achievement and level of discipline.
