More condom vending machines

In an attempt to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases during the Carnival season, more condom vending machines will be installed around capital Kingstown.{{more}}

National Family Planning Coordinator Naomi Prince said her Division will install the vending machines at temporary bars in Kingstown so that condoms are more accessible to Vincentians.

According to Prince, 30 machines remain in stock and the Carnival season is an appropriate time to make use of them.

Prince disclosed that between December 2008 and the present period, 20 condom vending machines costing US$5,071.20 were distributed and installed at bars from as far as Sandy Bay in the North to Canouan in the Grenadines.

She told SEARCHLIGHT that 50 condom vending machines were bought at the cost of US$12,678 or US$253.56 each.

For just $1, persons can purchase a three-pack of Durex brand condoms. Durex is said to be one of the most reliable brands of condoms, and each pack, if sold at its original price, would have cost a buyer Canadian $1.40.

“The main goal is to make condoms available and accessible to persons who need them,” said Prince, reminding the nation that condoms are the only technological devices which prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.

Prince stated that the Health Centres have been the main distributing points of condoms over the years, during the hours of 8a.m. to 4p.m., but with the coming on stream of the vending machines, persons can have access to condoms anytime they desire.

Vincentians have been making good use of the condom vending machines in areas where they are already installed.

Sheffield Howe of Athalia Edwards Bar in Fitz Hughes said several persons have been using the machines when they visit the bar. She said sometimes she or her grandmother assists persons in getting the condoms from the machines whenever they encounter difficulties.

“The response has been good,” said Claudius Ferdinand of Rebecca’s Place in Canouan, another bar already equipped with the condom vending machine. Ferdinand said due to the late opening hours of the bar, people have easy access to purchasing a condom. He used the opportunity to remind persons to use a round dollar instead of the 10 sided dollar coin. Only round, EC$1 coins can be used in the vending machines.

Condom vending machines have already been installed at Mr. Fisher – Leeward Bus Terminal; Kenlyn – No.16 Shop, Little Tokyo; Livingston Williams’ Bar – Diamonds; Hog Hole Disco -Sandy Bay; Soroptimist Comfort Station – South River Road; Wendell Clarke – Rabacca Bridge Shop; Selwyn’s Bar – Heritage Square; Athalia Edwards Bar – Fitz Hughes; Chappies Hide Out – Mespo; Dougan Shop – Calliaqua; Linda Telemaque – Rebacca’s Place (Canouan); Elsworth Alexander’s Bar – Campden Park; Mama’s Corner Bar – Fairburn Pasture, Ephraim Bar – Belair; Lamont Dickson – Sion Hill; Lebon Connell’s Bar – Keartons; Jacqueline Caesar’s Bar -Barrouallie; Deloris Haywood’s Bar – Georgetown; Mudula’s Gate and Bar – Buccament; and Port Elizabeth – Bequia.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, a workshop for the Community Nursing Staff was held at the School of Nursing. This workshop covered all aspects of condom programming supplies, monitoring, usage, and storage.(HN)