Today, Jamaica joins the rest of the world in commemorating World AIDS Day under the theme ‘Youth: Take the Lead’.

In Jamaica, the campaign targets young people ages 15 to 24, beckoning them to become advocates and agents of change.

Senior Medical Officer of the National HIV/STI Control programme, Dr Kevin Harvey, says the focus is timely as young people are extremely vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.

Dr Harvey points out that HIV/AIDS is still the second leading cause of death for persons 15 to 24 years old.

He stresses the importance of fostering good morals and values among the youths to prevent an involvement in risky lifestyle practices.

To commemorate World Aids Day 2008, the Ministry of Health through the HIV/STI Control programme will be disclosing the HIV/STI statistics at a press briefing set for today.

A World Aids Day exposition to include free voluntary counselling and a testing service using the rapid HIV test will also be a major feature of today’s commemoration.

Acclaimed musical director Nordia Rose will reunite with deejay Vybz Kartel to shoot his Ramping Shop combination single with Spice, a song which has created a firestorm of controversy, and dominated headlines in entertainment since its release a week ago.

“This is gonna be one of the classics, both the song and the video judging from all the indications so far. Dancehall is lacking in good production and promotion where singles are concerned. All avenues will be exhausted to ensure Ramping Shop becomes the mega hit that it is destined to be,” Vybz Kartel told one876entertainment.

The video will begin shooting tomorrow in the Corporate Area.

Vybz Kartel has already scored three number ones this year and his Million By a Morning, produced by Don Corleone, is presently at #14 on the Jamaica Music Countdown charts and peaked at #11 on the RE TV dancehall charts. Another single, Life Sweet, is at #19 on the RE TV dancehall charts as well. He is the frontrunner for this year’s Deejay of the Year title.

Kartel’s controversial song, A Wah Do Dem, is also a favourite in the dancehalls all around Jamaica.