THE Ministry of Health yesterday confirmed its support for the teaching of children about sex and HIV/AIDS before age 12, and dismissed suggestions that providing youngsters with such information would lead them to experiment with sex.

Dr Marion Ducasse, senior medical officer in the ministry,

said since the start of the HIV/AIDS education campaign in the 1980s, there has always been a debate about the appropriate age to teach children about sex, and what information should be given.

The main challenge initially, she said, was the fact that some persons firmly believe that to arm our youngsters about their sexual and reproductive health could encourage them to start these practices much earlier.

“Fortunately I can say that surveys and studies all over the world have shown that increased knowledge of sexual behaviour, sexual intercourse and sexually transmitted diseases do not create any increase in persons starting having sex earlier or experimenting with sex,” Dr Ducasse said.

Speaking at the launch of the National Primary Schools HIV/AIDS debating competition for 2008/09 in Kingston, Dr Ducasse commended sponsors Scotiabank for its role in educating young people about the deadly sexually

transmitted disease.

However, she expressed concern that although many people were knowledgeable about AIDS, they continued to indulge in risky behaviour. She challenged the children to make responsible choices to ensure their health.

Bruce Bowen, president and CEO of Scotiabank, said adults have a responsibility to protect children not only from HIV/AIDS but all forms of danger, including violence, hunger and war. Parents and adults, he said, have an obligation to report instances where they know children were being threatened or at risk.

Guest speaker at the launch, Caribbean youth activist Choc’late Allen, urged adults to listen and respect the views of young people in order to combat the challenges such as HIV/AIDS and violence.

“.(Adults) are always coming up with the answers, but we don’t go to the source of the problem – the youth,” she said.

Now in its third year, approximately 140 primary and

preparatory schools are expected to take part in the debating competition which has a series of eliminations leading to the grand finals scheduled for May 27 next year.

FORMER Deacon Donovan Jones, who is alleged to have supervised the repeated sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl by three youngsters in the back of a van in April 2006, is to be tried next April.

Jones is on a charge of human trafficking.

The matter was scheduled to start in the Home Circuit Court on Monday but was adjourned until April 15, 2009, after the witnesses did not show up.

Allegations are that Jones, 48, was present in the vehicle while the 14-year-old girl was being assaulted in April and May 2006. The act was allegedly videotaped.

Jones was charged along with three boys in the matter, two of whom were placed on probation after pleading guilty. The third was admonished and discharged.