BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – STAKEHOLDERS from across the island met earlier this week to tackle three pressing social issues affecting the Federation.

The discussion on the link among poverty, teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS was conducted at the Women’s Training Centre on Frigate Bay. Representatives from the media, the legal fraternity, and the teaching, guidance counselling and health professions were present to share their views on the topics and to offer opinions on dealing with these issues.

According to Janelle Lewis, an officer in the Ministry of Social and Community Development, the objective of the session was to fine-tune the Ministry’s policy and programme agenda.

The conversation was facilitated around a number of questions, including “What causes teen pregnancy?”, “How is it linked to poverty and HIV/AIDS?” and “What can society do to change the negative behaviours and lifestyles of young persons?”

Participants identified a breakdown in social and moral values as the main factor behind many social ills facing the country. They also blamed a lack of communication between parents and children and the inactivity of many pivotal institutions within society.

Coming out of the discussion, the consensus was that while existing messages promoting socially responsible behaviour are sufficient, the way in which they are presented and packaged do not appeal to the target audience and they therefore need to be revamped. Specific recommendations of the participants will be collated into a document for further use and consultation by the Ministry.

Speaking exclusively to SKNVibes, Lewis expressed her satisfaction with the event, noting it had been “very productive and the discussion “very lively”.

“We explored a number of theories and ideas, and I think we got to the heart of these matters. With the suggestions we received, I’m hopeful that something meaningful will result,” the officer noted.