The Editor, Sir
I get the impression that common sense has become a scarce commodity in any issue of controversy in which the church has an interest. This deference to the religious people in this matter is misplaced, not only because the issue is one of health and not of God, but also because of lack of credibility. The truth is that the church is the place where a significant number of incidents involving sexual misconduct takes place but it is covered up either by the church or the loyalty of the members who fear the wrath of God.
The reality is that Jamaicans are highly sexual people. The statistics indicate that by the time most Jamaicans reach adolescence they have already had sex. They always have and always will. It is also a fact that society does not really frown on this. But we tend to live in denial.
Contrary to Devon Dick's column (12/7/06) the provision of a condom is no more an invitation to have sex than is the provision of a fibrilator in the airport is an invitation to have a heart attack. It is just common sense. The criminal who does not engage in sex in prison will not use it, but those who do, will protect themselves and the society to which they will some day return. A stitch in time saves nine.
Finally, the increase in the use of condoms is responsible for the decrease in teenage pregnancy and the falling birth rate in Jamaica and elsewhere in the Caribbean as well as the fall in the rate of HIV and other STD infections. But in Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean, we live in denial and common sense is not common.
I am, etc.
LEIGHTON M. JACKSON
Jackson@uwichill.de.bb
Faculty of Law
Via Go-Jamaica
