The Editor, Sir:

After reading an article in the Thursday Gleaner, titled 'No condoms in school, says Holness', I can't believe the minister is still maintaining his position on the issue of condoms in Jamaica's schools despite realities and statistics we have seen so far.

While some may say the issuing of condoms in school is like giving consent to having sex and morally incorrect, the harsh reality is that students are having sex, like having sex and are doing so without condoms. According to a recently published article in The Gleaner, it has been reported that 30 per cent of Jamaicans are having unprotected sex, the Ministry of Health reveals. Statistics have also shown that between 1982-2006, 74 per cent of all reported cases of HIV fall within the 20-49 age group. Then, in what age group does the remaining 26 per cent lie? Another alarming revelation by the Ministry of Health was that HIV/AIDS was the leading cause of death for both young men and women, aged 15-24 years in 2004.

Over 500 children living with HIV

It should also be noted that there are more than 500 children living with HIV, most of which was 'inherited' from HIV-infected mothers.

We are living in an ever-changing society where old policies will have to be adjusted to protect and maintain the well-being of our people and society. Our schools are not only a place of learning anymore; it has become a place of garrisons and, most recently, 'sex shops'. Teenagers are having unprotected sex for money. Over the latter part of 2007, a spate of pictures and DVD movies were released to the public depicting students in sexually disturbing positions. Now Mr Holness, let me ask you this question, what about the ones that didn't reach the phone screens and DVDs?

The Ministry of Health needs to play a more active role and deploy condoms in school. It is a step in the right direction to counter sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. I am urging the Government to act now.

I am, etc.,

CONREY HANSON

conreyhanson@hotmail.com

Scotia Visionaries

University of Technology,

Jamaica

Via Go-Jamaica