THE EDITOR, Sir:I AM disappointed by the comments attributed to Mr. Lascelles Chin in your edition of April 11. Since one does not have to state his/her profession in order to buy or get a condom, how does 'accepting prostitution' reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS in Jamaica? Any person who desires a condom is free to obtain one. Treating prostitutes as human beings does not mean that we should promote prostitution as a valid and worthwhile profession for poor Jamaican men and women (who form the majority of these 'workers'). There are better ways to create a prosperous country.
Mr. Chin states that prostitution is a 'big income earner'. As far as I know, so is the drug and ammunition trade. Are these OK as well? Will he be adding "Coke dealer of the year", "Gun runner of the year" and "Prostitute of the year" to his current list of annual awards? Mr. Chin is taken by the idea of a university for sex workers to help them practise their trade. But why not empower them by teaching them skills that allow them to earn a living in more dignifed and less dangerous ways? Would he like any of his relatives to attend "Sex work university"?
Lastly, Thailand is also well known for the paedophilia industry. "Tourists" from all over the world travel to that country to have sex with little boys and girls. Would he love to see Jamaica become "broad minded and realistic" about this industry as well?
REDUCING THE SCOURGE
As for reducing the scourge of HIV/AIDS, a noble cause in which I have both a personal and a professional interest, I would recommend to Mr. Chin that he looks at the example of Uganda, where HIV prevalence was drastically reduced because the president and his wife spearheaded the drive to promote the ABC approach Abstinence, be faithful to one committed partner, and the proper consistent use of condoms for those who will not practise A or B. This approach reduced HIV/AIDS prevalence because many persons, particularly the youth, practised the first two long before condom use became widespread in Uganda. Of course, this approach is not "a big income earner", but I hope Mr. Chin and others of his ilk can nevertheless see the benefits.
I am, etc.,
Dr. DOREEN BRADY-WEST
drbradywest@hotmail.com
Kingston
Via Go-Jamaica
