REFORM THE TAX SYSTEM AND RE-INTRODUCE THE VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT)
The organizations listed below have developed this statement on VAT over the past three weeks. While we acknowledge that the government has heeded requests for relief, we urge the establishing of a broad-based mechanism to begin the comprehensive review of our taxation system which VAT has rendered more urgent. We are convinced that a truly enabling financial environment can offer great hope to our people and facilitate sustainable development, rather than a piecemeal approach by way of changing VAT legislation. Other Caribbean countries, notably Grenada and Belize, when their original versions of VAT were found to be defective fundamentally revised their tax systems.
One of numerous illustrations of the need for systemic reform is the issue of VAT being ‘revenue neutral’, i.e. that the amount of revenue collected by VAT would equal that collected under previous arrangements. Expansion of zero-rated items requires, therefore, that the revenue foregone be collected from excise taxes referred to in the companion excise and income legislation.
A central pillar of a democratic society is the social contract between citizens and government, which requires citizens to pay taxes in order to provide government with the funds to implement programmes to improve their standard of living and the quality of their lives. Taxation, therefore, is at the heart of the democratic process. In requiring all citizens to accept a fair share of the tax burden the tax system aims to off-set the negative effects of the unequal distribution of wealth and opportunities.
Unlike taxes which relate to income, VAT focuses on value-added on goods and services at each stage of the production cycle to the final consumer, created by both private and corporate citizens. Thus, introducing VAT without making comprehensive adjustments to the tax system, taking into account specifically that private and corporate citizens also pay income taxes, is bound to result in hardship, particularly for the poorer sections of the population and weaker businesses. In essence tax reform is a social, economic, political, and accounting process.
It is widely believed that the value-added system of taxation could be made a fair and efficient means of mobilizing revenue needed by Government to carry out its work on behalf of all citizens. This position seems to have been endorsed by the approximately 140 countries where the VAT system operates. Acceptable principles of fairness and equity must be constantly used to assess the effectiveness of the taxation system. It should be noted that Guyana is exceptional in that a wide swathe of external businesses are given legal “tax holidays” especially where our natural resources sector is concerned. The principal issue therefore is an assessment as to whether the conditions for the application of the principles of fairness and equity in the tax system exist. Such an assessment requires responding to the following questions:
Ø Do we have a fair and efficient tax administration system?
Ø Do we have an overall tax burden that does not discourage effort or encourage evasion?
Ø Do we have an established culture of paying taxes and of businesses keeping books?
Ø Are the incomes of a substantial majority of citizens above the poverty line?
Ø Does a parallel economy flourish and is the smuggling of goods significant?
Ø Do citizens have a clear vision on the best way of developing Guyana’s resources?
Ø Is the rule of law effective?
Ø Does a sufficiently stable and inclusive political system exist?
Ø Does the Guyana Revenue Authority have the capacity to handle its expanded responsibilities against the background of uncertainty that prevails and the cross-country effects of the VAT, including in rural and interior areas?
Most citizens have answers to these fundamental questions. Moreover, the manner in which VAT was introduced has produced ongoing hardship, namely by failure to consider adjustment of the overall tax system; failure to take into account expert advice; failure to assess the impact on poorer families; failure to avert the compounding effect of a high income tax rate and a high VAT rate; and finally, by deciding on an extremely high uniform rate that has generated widespread indignation. Long before the VAT was introduced, representations to the Parliamentary Select Committee by such bodies such as the Private Sector Commission, the University of Guyana’s Institute of Development Studies (IDS) and others raised these issues, suggesting more caution and more deliberation on this matter. All of these matters must now be re-visited to assess what can be done to make VAT work equitably and efficiently.
January 30, 2007
Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) Jean La Rose
African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) Eric Phillips
Church Women United Patricia Thomas
Guyana Citizens Initiative Bert Carter
Guyana Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities Julie Lewis
Guyana Council of Churches Rev. Alphonso Porter
Guyana Trades Union Congress Lincoln Lewis
General Workers Union (GWU) Norris Witter
Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) Michael McCormack
Institute of Development Studies (IDS) Clive Thomas
National Association of Agricultural, Commercial & Industrial Employees (NAACIE) Kenneth Joseph
Red Thread Andaiye
Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) Joel Simpson
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
SASOD embarks on Spectrum Net
SASOD has signed an agreement with the Minsitry of Health in Guyana to embark on a project of educational outreach to men who have sex with men.
The Spectrum Healthnet project with the Ministry of health has the following objectives :-
- To provide information on HIV/AIDS/STI prevention,care, treatment and support for the MSM population through online fora and other internet-based interventions targeting supporters and constituents of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community in Guyana by project end.
-To promote awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS and
STDs among the MSM population using web-based
interventions and brochures by project end.
-To increase awareness of safe sex practices in the
MSM population by project end
The project duration is for 12 months.
This project is being implemented through the Health Sector Development Unit of the Ministry of Health.
The activities include :-
a) Development of a website
b) Design and Production of brochures
c) Monthly review meetings and focus groups
d) Supporting costs, including the purchase of a
laptop
From the Guyana Chronicle of 25 January, 2007
Groups get $82.5M for HIV/AIDS fight
By Neil Marks
AN ORGANISATION fighting discrimination against men
who have sex with men, and a church providing hot
meals and remedial training to orphans and vulnerable
children, were among 16 community and faith-based
groups which yesterday received funding totalling
G$82.5M to fight against HIV/AIDS.
The funding comes from the civil society component of
the Guyana HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Project
(GAPCP) which the government signed with the World
Bank in May 2004 for US$11M.
This is the third year such organisations are
receiving funding, and according to Health Minister,
Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, it now adds up to G$203M.
The projects being funded target a wide cross section
of the population, in particular those groups
classified as vulnerable and high risk. These include
in and out of school youths, mining and indigenous
communities, farming communities, sport fraternities,
persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS
(including orphans and vulnerable children), the
military, workplaces and persons in different
faith-based settings.
The new projects receiving funding are:
** Art of Living – This organisation would provide
yoga and counselling for people living with HIV/AIDS
to focus on developing self control and improving
their physiological well being.
** Dance Alive – This project is modelled after an
analogue of “Love Life”, the South African national
HIV/AIDS youth band which has been adopted by the
Parliament of the country and is strongly supported by
the private sector and civil society in that country.
** Project BX – This comprehensive prevention and care
programme would be implemented in the Buxton/Foulis
area, East Coast Demerara.
** Guyana Labour Union – Some 29 workplaces would be
sensitised on issues of stigma and discrimination and
HIV/AIDS, working towards the development of workplace
policies.
** Ruimveldt Children’s Home – This organisation would
provide care and support to children living with
HIV/AIDS.
** The Youth Mentorship Endeavour – This project aims
at creating role models to mentor smaller groups of
young people towards adopting responsible behaviours.
** Sunshine Women and Youth Organisation – This group
plans to work with youths in Regions One and Three to
develop vocational skills while providing HIV/AIDS
education.
** Information for Life – This would be a regular
television programme to provide counselling, support
and information on how to access services.
** Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association – This
programme will provide HIV/STI education, counselling
and medical testing to in and out of school youths in
Regions Three, Four, Five and Ten.
** Monique’s Caring Hands – In this project, women
would be involved in a peer education programme
modelled after a programme designed for
African-American women. Orphans and vulnerable
children will also be supported in this project.
** U & Me Organisation – This project aims at working
with youths in Old England, Coomacka and other areas
in Linden to address HIV/AIDS and other social issues,
such as drug and alcohol abuse and teenage pregnancy.
** Lifeline Counselling Services – Through this grant,
Lifeline would provide care and support to orphans and
vulnerable children in Region Four, such as hot meals,
school supplies, tutoring, and computer classes.
Lifeline also plans to do skills training and provide
nutritional support to people living with HIV/AIDS.
** Roadside Baptist Church – The church plans to give
care and support to orphans and vulnerable children in
Region Six by providing hot meals, skills training and
remedial learning. In addition, it would hold
sensitisation sessions with parents and teachers and
hold an abstinence rally.
** Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination –
SASOD has been given funding to create a website to
provide health information and HIV/AIDS education for
men who have sex with men. In addition, they plan to
develop a closely-monitored heath discussion forum.
** Family Planning Association of Guyana – This
organisation will provide education for youths in the
lower Pomeroon area and for youth groups in Region
Three.
Ramsammy said he was pleased that the funding this
year would reach groups in all the 10 administrative
regions of Guyana and called on the organisations that
have been given funding to be accountable.
He said a national conference with all the NGO’s would
be held this year, so instead of competing with each
other, they could work together “to reach everyone in
Guyana.”
From Stabroek News of the 25 January, 2007
Ministry pumping $85.5M more into NGOs for HIV/AIDS projects
Thursday, January 25th 2007
Within the next two years the Ministry of Health through its Guyana HIV/AIDS Prevention & Control Project (GAPCP) will spend an additional $85.5M to fund sixteen HIV/AIDS-related programmes.
The ministry yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Non-Governmental Organisations which are going to execute sub-projects in various areas across the country, including Buxton/Foulis, Linden, Mabaruma, Berbice and Georgetown. Previously MOUs were signed with seventeen NGOs.
To date 44 projects have been funded by GAPCP, and of the programmes being funded three had been previously assisted. Included in the three are Lifeline Counselling's Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) programme which offers support to OVCs, hot meals to persons living with HIV/AIDS and skills training among other things.
Among NGOs putting up new proposals that were favoured are the Society against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Spectrum Health Net programme and the Art of Living with its innovative yoga and self-control programme geared towards HIV/AIDS patients.
Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy remarked yesterday that not every project funded in the past had lived up to expectations but there were success stories for some.
"We do not expect that everyone would have the same success but we are hoping everyone will work towards the goals outlined in their proposals. It is not as though we expect to be happy all the time but at least most of the time," Ramsammy said.
He urged the NGOs to execute their projects in a timely manner and expressed hope that the efforts at the community level will be well organised.
The NGOs to receive funding are Lifeline Counselling Services; Roadside Baptist Church; Operation Restoration; Monique's Caring Hands; U and Me Organisation; Sunshine Women & Youth Organisation; Information for Life; The Youth Mentorship Endeavour; Dance Alive, the Guyana Labour Union; Project BX; SASOD; the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association; Rumiveldt Children's Home & Care Centre; Art of Living and the Family Planning Association of Guyana.
SASOD through its pilot project is aiming to promote awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS and STDs among the men who have sex with men (MSM) population using web-based interventions and brochures. They are hoping to achieve this within the next few months.
Joel Simpson, chairperson of SASOD, told Stabroek News they are hoping to target at least 1,000 MSM by September. He said the project does not require physical visibility and offers an online forum where necessary information will be provided. In addition, he said, there will be interactive discussions that will be controlled, moderated and contextual.
According to Simpson, SASOD decided to get involved in the project because of the homophobic climate in the society. He said homophobia increases the vulnerability of MSM who are a high-risk group.
"They are invisible to many HIV/AIDS programmes but that is going to change with the introduction of Spectrum Health Net because we are catering for the sensitive issues but utilising a different strategy," Simpson said.
The Art of Living project aims to strengthen the defence systems of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to combat the virus while building their confidence and spirit to live life fully and meaningfully. Additionally, it aims to sensitise youths and adults on the HIV/AIDS virus and reinforce human values such as caring and sharing.
This will be done via 8-day workshops for PLWHA and 5-day sensitisation workshops for youths and adults with regular weekly follow-ups for all categories.
Rolinda Kirton of Art of Living said the course uses gentle yoga, intensive breathing techniques and profound knowledge to build physical and mental strength while infusing the spirit to fight back. It also engenders a sense of belonging so that all participants see the uniqueness of each individual. (Iana Seales)
The Spectrum Healthnet project with the Ministry of health has the following objectives :-
- To provide information on HIV/AIDS/STI prevention,care, treatment and support for the MSM population through online fora and other internet-based interventions targeting supporters and constituents of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community in Guyana by project end.
-To promote awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS and
STDs among the MSM population using web-based
interventions and brochures by project end.
-To increase awareness of safe sex practices in the
MSM population by project end
The project duration is for 12 months.
This project is being implemented through the Health Sector Development Unit of the Ministry of Health.
The activities include :-
a) Development of a website
b) Design and Production of brochures
c) Monthly review meetings and focus groups
d) Supporting costs, including the purchase of a
laptop
From the Guyana Chronicle of 25 January, 2007
Groups get $82.5M for HIV/AIDS fight
By Neil Marks
AN ORGANISATION fighting discrimination against men
who have sex with men, and a church providing hot
meals and remedial training to orphans and vulnerable
children, were among 16 community and faith-based
groups which yesterday received funding totalling
G$82.5M to fight against HIV/AIDS.
The funding comes from the civil society component of
the Guyana HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Project
(GAPCP) which the government signed with the World
Bank in May 2004 for US$11M.
This is the third year such organisations are
receiving funding, and according to Health Minister,
Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, it now adds up to G$203M.
The projects being funded target a wide cross section
of the population, in particular those groups
classified as vulnerable and high risk. These include
in and out of school youths, mining and indigenous
communities, farming communities, sport fraternities,
persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS
(including orphans and vulnerable children), the
military, workplaces and persons in different
faith-based settings.
The new projects receiving funding are:
** Art of Living – This organisation would provide
yoga and counselling for people living with HIV/AIDS
to focus on developing self control and improving
their physiological well being.
** Dance Alive – This project is modelled after an
analogue of “Love Life”, the South African national
HIV/AIDS youth band which has been adopted by the
Parliament of the country and is strongly supported by
the private sector and civil society in that country.
** Project BX – This comprehensive prevention and care
programme would be implemented in the Buxton/Foulis
area, East Coast Demerara.
** Guyana Labour Union – Some 29 workplaces would be
sensitised on issues of stigma and discrimination and
HIV/AIDS, working towards the development of workplace
policies.
** Ruimveldt Children’s Home – This organisation would
provide care and support to children living with
HIV/AIDS.
** The Youth Mentorship Endeavour – This project aims
at creating role models to mentor smaller groups of
young people towards adopting responsible behaviours.
** Sunshine Women and Youth Organisation – This group
plans to work with youths in Regions One and Three to
develop vocational skills while providing HIV/AIDS
education.
** Information for Life – This would be a regular
television programme to provide counselling, support
and information on how to access services.
** Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association – This
programme will provide HIV/STI education, counselling
and medical testing to in and out of school youths in
Regions Three, Four, Five and Ten.
** Monique’s Caring Hands – In this project, women
would be involved in a peer education programme
modelled after a programme designed for
African-American women. Orphans and vulnerable
children will also be supported in this project.
** U & Me Organisation – This project aims at working
with youths in Old England, Coomacka and other areas
in Linden to address HIV/AIDS and other social issues,
such as drug and alcohol abuse and teenage pregnancy.
** Lifeline Counselling Services – Through this grant,
Lifeline would provide care and support to orphans and
vulnerable children in Region Four, such as hot meals,
school supplies, tutoring, and computer classes.
Lifeline also plans to do skills training and provide
nutritional support to people living with HIV/AIDS.
** Roadside Baptist Church – The church plans to give
care and support to orphans and vulnerable children in
Region Six by providing hot meals, skills training and
remedial learning. In addition, it would hold
sensitisation sessions with parents and teachers and
hold an abstinence rally.
** Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination –
SASOD has been given funding to create a website to
provide health information and HIV/AIDS education for
men who have sex with men. In addition, they plan to
develop a closely-monitored heath discussion forum.
** Family Planning Association of Guyana – This
organisation will provide education for youths in the
lower Pomeroon area and for youth groups in Region
Three.
Ramsammy said he was pleased that the funding this
year would reach groups in all the 10 administrative
regions of Guyana and called on the organisations that
have been given funding to be accountable.
He said a national conference with all the NGO’s would
be held this year, so instead of competing with each
other, they could work together “to reach everyone in
Guyana.”
From Stabroek News of the 25 January, 2007
Ministry pumping $85.5M more into NGOs for HIV/AIDS projects
Thursday, January 25th 2007
Within the next two years the Ministry of Health through its Guyana HIV/AIDS Prevention & Control Project (GAPCP) will spend an additional $85.5M to fund sixteen HIV/AIDS-related programmes.
The ministry yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Non-Governmental Organisations which are going to execute sub-projects in various areas across the country, including Buxton/Foulis, Linden, Mabaruma, Berbice and Georgetown. Previously MOUs were signed with seventeen NGOs.
To date 44 projects have been funded by GAPCP, and of the programmes being funded three had been previously assisted. Included in the three are Lifeline Counselling's Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) programme which offers support to OVCs, hot meals to persons living with HIV/AIDS and skills training among other things.
Among NGOs putting up new proposals that were favoured are the Society against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Spectrum Health Net programme and the Art of Living with its innovative yoga and self-control programme geared towards HIV/AIDS patients.
Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy remarked yesterday that not every project funded in the past had lived up to expectations but there were success stories for some.
"We do not expect that everyone would have the same success but we are hoping everyone will work towards the goals outlined in their proposals. It is not as though we expect to be happy all the time but at least most of the time," Ramsammy said.
He urged the NGOs to execute their projects in a timely manner and expressed hope that the efforts at the community level will be well organised.
The NGOs to receive funding are Lifeline Counselling Services; Roadside Baptist Church; Operation Restoration; Monique's Caring Hands; U and Me Organisation; Sunshine Women & Youth Organisation; Information for Life; The Youth Mentorship Endeavour; Dance Alive, the Guyana Labour Union; Project BX; SASOD; the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association; Rumiveldt Children's Home & Care Centre; Art of Living and the Family Planning Association of Guyana.
SASOD through its pilot project is aiming to promote awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS and STDs among the men who have sex with men (MSM) population using web-based interventions and brochures. They are hoping to achieve this within the next few months.
Joel Simpson, chairperson of SASOD, told Stabroek News they are hoping to target at least 1,000 MSM by September. He said the project does not require physical visibility and offers an online forum where necessary information will be provided. In addition, he said, there will be interactive discussions that will be controlled, moderated and contextual.
According to Simpson, SASOD decided to get involved in the project because of the homophobic climate in the society. He said homophobia increases the vulnerability of MSM who are a high-risk group.
"They are invisible to many HIV/AIDS programmes but that is going to change with the introduction of Spectrum Health Net because we are catering for the sensitive issues but utilising a different strategy," Simpson said.
The Art of Living project aims to strengthen the defence systems of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to combat the virus while building their confidence and spirit to live life fully and meaningfully. Additionally, it aims to sensitise youths and adults on the HIV/AIDS virus and reinforce human values such as caring and sharing.
This will be done via 8-day workshops for PLWHA and 5-day sensitisation workshops for youths and adults with regular weekly follow-ups for all categories.
Rolinda Kirton of Art of Living said the course uses gentle yoga, intensive breathing techniques and profound knowledge to build physical and mental strength while infusing the spirit to fight back. It also engenders a sense of belonging so that all participants see the uniqueness of each individual. (Iana Seales)
A teenager speaks about sexuality and relationships
In a series of interviews about life in a time of
HIV/AIDS, this is a story from a 17 year old male
student from a senior secondary school.
Who am I?
I am a regular guy, I like girls, school, music , singing, making dance moves, movies, athletics ( I do well in the high jump and long jump,and relays), and most other sports. I am into computers and electronics. I like the Harry Potter books. My role models are Oprah Winfrey, Donald Trump and Asafa Powell. I also admire other students in school who are disciplined, especially the religious ones; and the ones who have great athletic skill who could handle
themselves in situations. I am inclined towards Christianity, but I like the discipline which some Muslims seem to have. I do not understand the Hindu religion enough, the variety of Gods seems confusing. I am talkative, sometimes disrepectful towards people. I love Guyana.
About School
I really like my school, I think that the students there are really intelligent but there is a problem with discipline and I think that there should be better teachers and facilities to aid in the educating of the students. I sometimes get involved to solve the problems of discipline. I think things would improve if there is better teacher student relationships. I would like to see a student council set up.
About friends
I look for honesty, intelligence and that they must be fun to be with. My friends and I talk about sex,,music, movies and sports. We don't talk about HIV/AIDs. We talk about girls, the positions we would have sex in and so on. We don't talk about abstinence, because most of us want to lose our virginity. I used to want to wait until marriage, but then I compromised and a situation came up and I had sex, so I am like my friends. I don't discriminate against anybody.
About sex and relationships
I have had about four sexual partners, maybe one or two others. Two guys and two girls. I used condoms with both girls. With the guys, I felt guilty afterwards, though with my best friend, I did not feel guilty or regrets. When I was young, I was molested by a guy who worked with us. Nothing happened. A cousin and I messed around, and I feel that it was enjoyable, but that it was wrong and maybe I should do something about it. I did not use condoms with the guys, because
one of them was his first time, and the other one said he only had one partner. I realise that I should take an HIV test to make sure that I am okay. I really do not like the homosexual feelings and wish I could be like a normal guy. One of the girls who I really like,I enjoyed being with her. She is a lot of fun, we have been friends for a long time. She has another boyfriend, but maybe I will win her over. The idea of secondary virginity, is a good one, to say to my friends that let us try something different, see if we could master ourselves and say no, how long could we abstain if we wanted to. I don't know how they will view it, but maybe it is something we should think about. It would be difficult, guys like to feel that they could have a lot of sex. I think the messages have to be persistent to get over, some of us hear, we change for a while, and then go back to old ways.
What are the plans for the future?
I would like to get rid of my homosexual feelings. I am working on that, not sure where that will go though. I realise they are a normal part of me, but guilt is always there. At the same time, I have some assignments to complete. And to study for exams next year. I need to work harder at preparing for them. I want to pursue studies in computer science and electronics, and go abroad to study. I feel I could do anything I would like to do. I already make some money with computer repairs. The important things in my life are my family, education and God.
HIV/AIDS, this is a story from a 17 year old male
student from a senior secondary school.
Who am I?
I am a regular guy, I like girls, school, music , singing, making dance moves, movies, athletics ( I do well in the high jump and long jump,and relays), and most other sports. I am into computers and electronics. I like the Harry Potter books. My role models are Oprah Winfrey, Donald Trump and Asafa Powell. I also admire other students in school who are disciplined, especially the religious ones; and the ones who have great athletic skill who could handle
themselves in situations. I am inclined towards Christianity, but I like the discipline which some Muslims seem to have. I do not understand the Hindu religion enough, the variety of Gods seems confusing. I am talkative, sometimes disrepectful towards people. I love Guyana.
About School
I really like my school, I think that the students there are really intelligent but there is a problem with discipline and I think that there should be better teachers and facilities to aid in the educating of the students. I sometimes get involved to solve the problems of discipline. I think things would improve if there is better teacher student relationships. I would like to see a student council set up.
About friends
I look for honesty, intelligence and that they must be fun to be with. My friends and I talk about sex,,music, movies and sports. We don't talk about HIV/AIDs. We talk about girls, the positions we would have sex in and so on. We don't talk about abstinence, because most of us want to lose our virginity. I used to want to wait until marriage, but then I compromised and a situation came up and I had sex, so I am like my friends. I don't discriminate against anybody.
About sex and relationships
I have had about four sexual partners, maybe one or two others. Two guys and two girls. I used condoms with both girls. With the guys, I felt guilty afterwards, though with my best friend, I did not feel guilty or regrets. When I was young, I was molested by a guy who worked with us. Nothing happened. A cousin and I messed around, and I feel that it was enjoyable, but that it was wrong and maybe I should do something about it. I did not use condoms with the guys, because
one of them was his first time, and the other one said he only had one partner. I realise that I should take an HIV test to make sure that I am okay. I really do not like the homosexual feelings and wish I could be like a normal guy. One of the girls who I really like,I enjoyed being with her. She is a lot of fun, we have been friends for a long time. She has another boyfriend, but maybe I will win her over. The idea of secondary virginity, is a good one, to say to my friends that let us try something different, see if we could master ourselves and say no, how long could we abstain if we wanted to. I don't know how they will view it, but maybe it is something we should think about. It would be difficult, guys like to feel that they could have a lot of sex. I think the messages have to be persistent to get over, some of us hear, we change for a while, and then go back to old ways.
What are the plans for the future?
I would like to get rid of my homosexual feelings. I am working on that, not sure where that will go though. I realise they are a normal part of me, but guilt is always there. At the same time, I have some assignments to complete. And to study for exams next year. I need to work harder at preparing for them. I want to pursue studies in computer science and electronics, and go abroad to study. I feel I could do anything I would like to do. I already make some money with computer repairs. The important things in my life are my family, education and God.
A teenager speaks about sexuality and relationships
In a series of interviews about life in a time of
HIV/AIDS, this is a story from a 17 year old male
student from a senior secondary school.
Who am I?
I am a regular guy, I like girls, school, music , singing, making dance moves, movies, athletics ( I do well in the high jump and long jump,and relays), and most other sports. I am into computers and electronics. I like the Harry Potter books. My role models are Oprah Winfrey, Donald Trump and Asafa Powell. I also admire other students in school who are disciplined, especially the religious ones; and the ones who have great athletic skill who could handle
themselves in situations. I am inclined towards Christianity, but I like the discipline which some Muslims seem to have. I do not understand the Hindu religion enough, the variety of Gods seems confusing. I am talkative, sometimes disrepectful towards people. I love Guyana.
About School
I really like my school, I think that the students there are really intelligent but there is a problem with discipline and I think that there should be better teachers and facilities to aid in the educating of the students. I sometimes get involved to solve the problems of discipline. I think things would improve if there is better teacher student relationships. I would like to see a student council set up.
About friends
I look for honesty, intelligence and that they must be fun to be with. My friends and I talk about sex,,music, movies and sports. We don't talk about HIV/AIDs. We talk about girls, the positions we would have sex in and so on. We don't talk about abstinence, because most of us want to lose our virginity. I used to want to wait until marriage, but then I compromised and a situation came up and I had sex, so I am like my friends. I don't discriminate against anybody.
About sex and relationships
I have had about four sexual partners, maybe one or two others. Two guys and two girls. I used condoms with both girls. With the guys, I felt guilty afterwards, though with my best friend, I did not feel guilty or regrets. When I was young, I was molested by a guy who worked with us. Nothing happened. A cousin and I messed around, and I feel that it was enjoyable, but that it was wrong and maybe I should do something about it. I did not use condoms with the guys, because
one of them was his first time, and the other one said he only had one partner. I realise that I should take an HIV test to make sure that I am okay. I really do not like the homosexual feelings and wish I could be like a normal guy. One of the girls who I really like,I enjoyed being with her. She is a lot of fun, we have been friends for a long time. She has another boyfriend, but maybe I will win her over. The idea of secondary virginity, is a good one, to say to my friends that let us try something different, see if we could master ourselves and say no, how long could we abstain if we wanted to. I don't know how they will view it, but maybe it is something we should think about. It would be difficult, guys like to feel that they could have a lot of sex. I think the messages have to be persistent to get over, some of us hear, we change for a while, and then go back to old ways.
What are the plans for the future?
I would like to get rid of my homosexual feelings. I am working on that, not sure where that will go though. I realise they are a normal part of me, but guilt is always there. At the same time, I have some assignments to complete. And to study for exams next year. I need to work harder at preparing for them. I want to pursue studies in computer science and electronics, and go abroad to study. I feel I could do anything I would like to do. I already make some money with computer repairs. The important things in my life are my family, education and God.
HIV/AIDS, this is a story from a 17 year old male
student from a senior secondary school.
Who am I?
I am a regular guy, I like girls, school, music , singing, making dance moves, movies, athletics ( I do well in the high jump and long jump,and relays), and most other sports. I am into computers and electronics. I like the Harry Potter books. My role models are Oprah Winfrey, Donald Trump and Asafa Powell. I also admire other students in school who are disciplined, especially the religious ones; and the ones who have great athletic skill who could handle
themselves in situations. I am inclined towards Christianity, but I like the discipline which some Muslims seem to have. I do not understand the Hindu religion enough, the variety of Gods seems confusing. I am talkative, sometimes disrepectful towards people. I love Guyana.
About School
I really like my school, I think that the students there are really intelligent but there is a problem with discipline and I think that there should be better teachers and facilities to aid in the educating of the students. I sometimes get involved to solve the problems of discipline. I think things would improve if there is better teacher student relationships. I would like to see a student council set up.
About friends
I look for honesty, intelligence and that they must be fun to be with. My friends and I talk about sex,,music, movies and sports. We don't talk about HIV/AIDs. We talk about girls, the positions we would have sex in and so on. We don't talk about abstinence, because most of us want to lose our virginity. I used to want to wait until marriage, but then I compromised and a situation came up and I had sex, so I am like my friends. I don't discriminate against anybody.
About sex and relationships
I have had about four sexual partners, maybe one or two others. Two guys and two girls. I used condoms with both girls. With the guys, I felt guilty afterwards, though with my best friend, I did not feel guilty or regrets. When I was young, I was molested by a guy who worked with us. Nothing happened. A cousin and I messed around, and I feel that it was enjoyable, but that it was wrong and maybe I should do something about it. I did not use condoms with the guys, because
one of them was his first time, and the other one said he only had one partner. I realise that I should take an HIV test to make sure that I am okay. I really do not like the homosexual feelings and wish I could be like a normal guy. One of the girls who I really like,I enjoyed being with her. She is a lot of fun, we have been friends for a long time. She has another boyfriend, but maybe I will win her over. The idea of secondary virginity, is a good one, to say to my friends that let us try something different, see if we could master ourselves and say no, how long could we abstain if we wanted to. I don't know how they will view it, but maybe it is something we should think about. It would be difficult, guys like to feel that they could have a lot of sex. I think the messages have to be persistent to get over, some of us hear, we change for a while, and then go back to old ways.
What are the plans for the future?
I would like to get rid of my homosexual feelings. I am working on that, not sure where that will go though. I realise they are a normal part of me, but guilt is always there. At the same time, I have some assignments to complete. And to study for exams next year. I need to work harder at preparing for them. I want to pursue studies in computer science and electronics, and go abroad to study. I feel I could do anything I would like to do. I already make some money with computer repairs. The important things in my life are my family, education and God.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)