The Editor, Sir:

I must express great concern for humanity at this time, as it seems as if the AIDS epidemic is wreaking havoc slowly but surely on our society and, by extension, the world at large. Now, I am deeply concerned at the way in which we are educating our fellow brothers and sisters about how to slow down the rate of AIDS infection.

It is a fact that we won't have everyone adhering to the rules, but I think that we should preach "abstinence, commitment, faithful-ness and loyalty". It is most disturbing to know that the so-called 'sex trade' is one of the leading means of transmission.

I believe that our legal system needs to get radical and put an end to this trade that has, unfortunately, gained acceptance as a somewhat legal way of life. I am most perturbed at the way in which we send our message against the transmission of the HIV virus. All you hear is "use a condom everytime", but I think this is not enough.

We must admit that the real cause in the spread of this disease is the fact that people are promiscuous and unfaithful individuals who lack self-control and self-respect.

It is not my intention to "bash all infected individuals", because some persons are in fact innocent victims, who were infected by their 'careless' partners. My urgent call to all is for us to be mature and respect ourselves and others.

I am, etc.,

M.H.

Portmore