There is something about the attitude of health officials, politicians and church leaders that leaves a foul taste in the mouth of many gay activist in the Caribbean.

Why oh why despite the mountain of literature and knowledge on HIV/AIDS are these influential individuals continuing to bury their heads in the sand. Do these people really care about the people who give them so much of their time, energy and of course MONEY? 

Not talking openly and honestly, not educating all people about the pros and cons of HIV/AIDS is tantamount to genocide. Every minute every hour of every day someone gets infected. Men again hold the key. The hold the power in the Caribbean as with much of the world. It is also they who hold the key to any reduction in the numbers of all sexually acquired infections including HIV.

With the exception of Cuba (who adopts draconian measures to reduce HIV rates including incarceration) all of the Caribbean is affected. Will the Caribbean go the same way as Africa? Or will those in power do the honest thing and talk about the need to discuss issues of sex and sexuality openly. 

It amazes me that when I go to the Caribbean to see friends and families the double standards that exist. Last year I went to during Carnival. Kids as young as 9 are encouraged to 'whine up dem waist' with each other. Yet you mention sex education and you'll soon no what's what.

So picture it an island with young kids growing up expressing sexually without the necessary tools for them to make informed decisions on sex. An island where it is common for older men to acquire the services of young girls (and boys). An island in denial about the risks of HIV.

I paint a gloomy picture of my parent's homeland. I talk of it as though it were an evil place. Far from it. This is a beautiful place with beautiful people. It is the politics, the hypocrisy of leaders that is evil.

And what of the future of the Caribbean. Let us not kid ourselves that HIV is not a serious issue. There is still no cure. The treatments are expensive (beyond the funds of most Caribbean nations) How many people will have died from AIDS (not living with HIV) will it take before governments act?