SVG installs first condom machine

In an effort to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Ministry of Education in conjunction with the National Family Planning Organization has installed this country’s first condom vending machine.{{more}}

The machine was handed over on World AIDS Day, December 1st, to Selwyn Prescott, the owner of D Lime Restaurant and Bar at Heritage Square in Kingstown.

Speaking to the media, the Minister of Health and Environment Dr Douglas Slater explained that the Ministry has installed this machine to make condoms available and accessible to persons that need them.

Noting that he, as well as his Ministry still believes and promotes abstinence, especially in young people, Slater says this cannot be enough.

“As a responsible Ministry, we know that abstinence alone has not and cannot stop the spread of HIV/AIDS,” he said.

Slater also added that D Lime, a Bar which is usually frequented by adults, will not allow under aged persons to access the condom machines, an issue he knows will be heavily discussed and debated. Slater however declared that his Ministry is taking things step by step.

A total of 50 machines will be distributed throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Each machine is fully loaded and the cost of a box containing three condoms is EC$1. The machines, which will be donated to businesses free of cost, will be reloaded by the National Family Planning Organization and the Ministry of Health and Environment when they run out of condoms. (OS)