ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada (CMC):

Health Minister Ann David-Antoine says the Grenada Government will not consider a recommendation to decriminalise homosexuality and prostitution on the island.

A recent study commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recommended the decriminalisation of homosexuality and prostitution.

However, David-Antoine said this is not among the government's immediate agenda noting religious and cultural considerations.

"Not at this time, we're not," the minister remarked. "Every sovereign country has to take on board its own cultural situation, the faith and religious situation within the country."

David-Antoine also mooted a recent suggestion for the government to legislate commercial sex workers for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

"At this point that is not on our books neither is the situation regarding drawing up a register of commercial sex workers for World Cup. That is definitely not on our agenda in Grenada, at this time," she said.

Highly stigmatised

The UNDP study also concluded HIV remains highly stigmatised in Grenada and discrimination is prevalent at different levels of the society.

"The public is concerned about a possible loss of capacity and investment because of highly-skilled persons becoming HIV positive," the report said.

The report said there is no clear mechanism for complaint and redress relating to abuse of vulnerability, breach of human rights and discrimination. It also warns about a relatively low level of testing in Grenada.

"The Government should examine avenues for the continuation of its treatment and care programme in the long-term including schemes which cater for persons based on their economic status.