Will Aids change how the Caribbean talks about sex?

Director of the United Nations Caribbean Aids programme, Ernest Massiah, has said that curbing the rate of infection of HIV and Aids in the region is not helped by the attitude towards sex and sexuality.

Allyson Leacock, Director of the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/Aids agrees.

She says: "We now have to engage people about their perceptions about men having sex with men, sex workers, drug users etc.

"All of them are at risk ... but because of the societal discrimination we find it very difficult for some of these people to be open."

It’s estimated that over 250,000 in the Caribbean are affected by the disease with an annual rate of infection of 20,000 - and increasing.

What do you think?

• Is sex a subject you find uncomfortable talking about?
• What are your views on sex education, especially in light of the spread of Aids and other sexually transmitted diseases?
• Is the matter of sex too trivialised and vulgarised in the Caribbean?

Sex is a sacred act that should be between two persons and not multiple. We as young people should respect our life of today. If you are engaging in sexual activity, consider yourself and your partner and get tested to be on the safe side. We must not discriminate persons who are already infected with the disease HIV, but we should always use a condom. Our young folk love to say sex is not sweet with condoms but we need to think about our future and not the sweetness, we are all here for a purpose.
Daycia Johnson
St.John's, Antigua

Aids: It is the duty of governments, churches and institutions places of learning to help educate the Caribbean population on such matters. If we are thinking that others from the outside will come and do for us what we must do for ourselves; something else will take our region to hell. It is time the people of the Caribbean take a stand to represent their interest to free the Caribbean community from this curse of AIDS and its viruses that is having such impact on the life and economy of this region of the world. This responsibility rest with all of us, at home and in the Diaspora to be our brothers and sisters keepers. Time waits on no one, act now and save lives.
Kuwassi Hutchinson
Toronto, Canada

I live in Europe and have lived in the Caribbean and USA. I see no evidence to suggest that Caribbean people are any more promiscuous than others. In some parts of Europe, sex workers are registered, tested and certified before they can work legally. Sex education is started at an early age simply because with modern technology, and an age where sex sells everything from car tyres to sports drinks, there is no escaping or isolation from the temptation. Sex is clearly important for life itself and is part of it. So ensuring that they are aware of sex and the precautions that are necessary to prevent STDs and unwanted pregnancies help to keep more of your future workforce healthy and productive. I understand the morality argument due to Christian doctrine, and the call for abstinence among young unwed couples, but look around, is it really working? Perhaps we should try something new!
I.B.
Ferney, France

Sex is everywhere you turn; more persons are having sex at an earlier age! The music videos which are very popular with youths are laced with sexual innuendoes. Millions of dollars are being pumped into various campaigns to educate persons about safe sex practices. Yet I feel and see a disconnect with this message and the masses. Having a serious and open discussion about sex and sexuality is good but this doesn't persuade us to practice safer sex. At the end of the day the individual makes a black and white choice based upon many variables whether to have sex and how to do it.
Leon J
Georgetown, Guyana

I am pleased that you've added the word 'seriously' to the title. West Indians abuse sexuality - just look at the erotic behaviour during parties and festivities, and listen to the explicit lyrics of popular songs. Promiscuity is rampant and even appreciated by many. Yet, very few can discuss this important matter of sex seriously. I don't think policymakers and advocates can change this - it has to start with the individual. Once people continue to express their sexuality in a vulgar and demeaning way, and refuse to acknowledge the seriousness of sex, then we shall continue to see a rise in HIV infections. Without morality, nothing will improve.
Elma
Antigua

Of course, parents feel uncomfortable speaking about sex with their children back home in the Caribbean. But it is compulsory nowaday for parents to educate their children about sex especially with all those sexually transmitted disease floating about. Schools should also educate students about sex and the risks. It's not vulgar to advise people on a subject that might save their lives.
Fazelah Ali
Queens, New York

Just mentioning the word sex in public still make people uncomfortable. I've been to PTA meetings to hear the principal complain that the children know more than ther should about sex. How then do we expect to seriously, deal with the escalating infectious rate of HIV/AIDS? Its more like a crime to talk about sex and sexuality in these parts.
Nerissa Gittens
Kingstown, St Vincent

Sex is not an uncomfortable discussion topic when it is among those in my age group (18 - 24), however, discussing it with those in an older age bracket, e.g. 50+, is not as easy. Sex is becoming a lot less taboo in terms of just talking about it, but getting people to pay attention to how their risky behaviour could affect them in a far more serious manner than reputation, seems to be the biggest hurdle... especially when so many of your peers are engaging in the same activities and they seem to be having a great time, with no apparent consequences. So, yes, in a way it has become trivialised.
MC
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands