POPULAR concert Sting will, for the first time, have free HIV testing, condom distribution and public awareness as a counter to dancehall’s promiscuous ethos.

It’s the result of a partnership between Sting promoter Isaiah Laing and Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL).

“It is a good thing and everybody should assist in trying to stop the spread of the AIDS virus,” said Laing adding that JASL will have a branded booth at the show where persons can privately get tested.

“We view this partnership as a critical first step in our plans for 2010 and beyond, which is really about meeting people where they are most comfortable and increasing awareness of HIV and AIDS,” stated Stacy-Ann Jarrett, JASL executive director. “Music and dancehall are important parts of our culture, although known widely for some negative messages and practices that counter efforts to reduce HIV and stigma and discrimination.”

The organisation said it was excited at this “groundbreaking” opportunity and hoped that other promoters and musicians would support the drive. “We urge other musicians to use their talents to continue uplifting Jamaica and Jamaicans and also for worthy causes,” stated Jarrett.

Currently 83 per cent of the persons infected by the virus are between 15 and 49. “It is now critical that we reach the people who will be most impacted by this virus,” she said of JASL’s strategy of “grass roots involvement”.

JASL has been collaborating with musicians for a number of years. JASL highlighted the artiste History Man who had been a “pioneer and has passionately devoted his talent in the past few years to writing songs aimed at empowering women, spreading information about HIV and AIDS, and supporting condom use after noting the impact of the virus on Africa”.