Minister of Tourism and International Transport Richard Sealy says sex tourism is a real aspect of the Barbados product.
And while he neither condemned nor condoned this practice when he addressed an audience at an HIV/AIDS edu-drama presentation and cocktail reception on Friday night, he contended though it might be a “lucrative” niche for some, sex tourism posed serious health risks.
Sealy, speaking at the Sea Rocks Dome in Maxwell, Christ Church, to mark World AIDS Day, whose theme was My Health, My Right, also acknowledged many travellers visited Barbados for a number reasons besides the traditional sea, sand and sun. He said a number of them engaged in sexual tourism as a way of enhancing their travel experience.
In this regard, Sealy said Government had embarked on a number of sensitisation seminars, workshops and training, in association with the Barbados Workers’ Union and the National HIV/AIDS Commission, aimed at promoting HIV awareness in the tourism industry.
“This new form of tourism, although lucrative for some, has the potential to seriously exacerbate the spread of . . . HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections by affecting the most vulnerable of our population. It is therefore important to ensure that we expand access to high quality care and treatment among key populations and educate and sensitise all persons of the devastating effects of the HIV/AIDS disease, including STIs. We must continue to promote programmes that will reduce stigma and discrimination, while promoting the development of norms and behaviours that are more reflective of a more tolerant and caring society,” Sealy added.
Sealy implored all Barbadians to place greater emphasis on consistent HIV testing and counselling.
Students of the Barbados Community College’s Theatre Arts Department presented a dramatic production titled Testing, Testing 1-2-3 during the evening’s celebration. It was authored by tutor Michelle Hinkson-Cox and attempted to educate and sensitise people about the impact of HIV/AIDS on the tourism industry. It also addressed discrimination, misconceptions, irresponsible decisions and sexuality, which sparked intense discussions among the disappointingly small turnout. (SDB Media)
