BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - WALKING on the densely populated streets of downtown Basseterre on a Friday afternoon, one cannot help noticing the inflated stomachs of young girls and others of the same age group cradling babies of their own.
Surely, the adage holds true: “Children shall bring forth children.”
Though in some quarters it may seem a boost in the growth of the small population of the twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, in the eyes of concerned citizens it is viewed as despoliation of youthfulness and a burden on the current and future governments, in particular, and society, as a whole.
These young mothers and would-be mothers seem not to comprehend the dangers involved in unprotected sex. Not only can they have unwanted pregnancies but what about the most deadly disease that has claimed thousands of lives and infected tens of thousands in the Caribbean?
Despite the efforts being made by the Federal Government and the Nevis Island Administration in educating the populace on the dangers of HIV/AIDS, these young women seem to have cast a blind eye and deft ear to given advice.
Someone once said, “Don’t blame the men”, and this statement holds true for no woman can get pregnant if she abstains, says no or practices safe sex - unless she was raped or forced into a situation, or some other uncontrolled circumstance.
There is a positive link between growing teenage pregnancy, crime and a breakdown in family values.
Many unwanted pregnancies have resulted in delinquency and most single parents and many women are unable to cope with parenting.
When a young woman gets pregnant and has no emotional and financial support from her partner, she has to manage the pregnancy, birth and caring for the child all alone; such situations create negative results.
Additionally, teenage mothers who find themselves in such a position display irresponsible attitudes and cannot take care of themselves, much more care for a child. They, themselves, are children.
One social worker asked the question, “When a mother is busy searching for affection for herself, how can she give affection to a child?”
Taking this scenario into consideration, most of the time the mother will display anger. She will be angry because of her own circumstance, angry with the man who got her pregnant and, very often, with those whom she associates.
Further, her anger will be transferred to the innocent child. Therefore, SKNVibes is appealing to those teenagers who have not yet explored the world of sex to wait on the right time and, if not married but are about to engage in the act, PROTECT YOURSELF.
