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.

siezed_from_students

Fifteen students who attend schools in Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine were arrested in October for possession of, dealing in and smoking marijuana.

The students were referred either for counselling or to do community service, Valeen Calder, assistant superintendent of police at the Com-munity Safety and Security branch of the Jamaica Consta-bulary Force, told The Gleaner.

Ten students, who were determined to be in need of care and protection, were taken in and placed before the courts.

This was done in accordance with the Child Care and Protection Act.

offensive weapons

Numerous offensive weapons, imitation firearms, a 9mm cartridge and cutting implements were among some of the items confiscated by the police during searches carried out in the schools.

Searches were conducted by the Safe Schools Task Force unit, a programme that is operated by the Community Safety and Security branch. School resource officers also formed part of the search teams.

“The Safe Schools Programme is an attempt to stem the increasing levels of anti-social and early criminal behaviour among students,” stated a release sent out by the branch.

The release also stated that such behaviour, in some instances, had led to fatalities in the schools.

Doran Dixon, president of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, told The Gleaner yesterday it would take a combined effort from all parties for schools to once again become a place of safety.

Dixon remarked that parents, teachers and the police have a role to play in bringing the school system back to normalcy.

“Parents must supervise their children to ensure they leave home without weapons,” he urged.

He also called for teachers to be vigilant while on the job.

Items confiscated

Ice picks 73
Ratchets 311
Imitation firearms
12 Knives 166
Scissors 165
Lighters 90
Machetes 3
Sticks of ganja 10
Toy guns 16
Screwdrivers 10
Shotgun cartridges 1
Live rounds 1
Imitation magazines 1