Perhaps we are the bearer of good news. Carnival can be a most electrifying, exciting, spontaneous fun time, filled with creativity, talent and rhythm that come naturally to us. But be aware!
Little clothes, erotic music, alcohol and drugs can lead to trouble, and it often does. To the saying "get high, get stupid" can be added "get one of the 40 sexually transmitted diseases that now exist in T&T."The condom may lessen your chances but cannot guarantee protection from infection from these communicable diseases, especially the HIV/Aids virus which is roughly ten times smaller than the human sperm. The reality of our statistics reveal that every year after the Carnival season many doctors' offices and clinics are busier than usual with people who have contracted one of these STDs.
Passion and lust are dangerous to control for any human being, but avoidance can be obtained. It has been proven that the sense of reasoning is more powerful than the will and emotions. So think–is my intended action worth the pain and trauma usually associated with bad decisions? When the fantasy of the Carnival season comes to an abrupt end, the dust has settled and Ash Wednesday morning dawns, do we want to be anxious, afraid and feeling alone? Or do we want to arise feeling joyful, confident and worry-free?The facts clearly indicate that far more babies are born nine months after every Carnival season, and more abortions than usual occur. So while you "drink yuh rum and live yuh life" (one of my favourite songs for this year) remember to "Praise yuh God and live yuh life".Wishing all a happy and safe Carnival filled with praise and joy.
Dwight and Christine Gonsalves
via e-mail