for his courage and public concern in dealing with reality and discussing the idea of distributing condoms in Bermuda's schools. This newspaper has long advocated the free and open distribution of condoms as one means of preventing the spread of AIDS. We think Mr. Edness is doing exactly the right thing.

AIDS is a growing threat to the world without real signs of a solution and Bermuda is under greater threat than most countries. Bermuda has a high percentage of AIDS victims and the heavy instance of AIDS in Bermuda's heterosexual population is an indication to other countries that the general population cannot dismiss AIDS because it is not a disease of minorities. We must do the best we can to prevent the spread of AIDS and learn from Africa that AIDS alone can create a wasteland.

Those who preach abstinence as the best way to prevent AIDS are free to do so, subject to their consciences. Abstinence, of course, is part of a religious wishlist and not a reality of health care. The reality is no amount of preaching will ever convince the young not to engage in the joys of sex.

Governments and Cabinet Ministers must deal with the human world. The high instance of children born out of wedlock in Bermuda, the continued presence of sexually transmitted diseases and the spread of AIDS itself tell us that people are not practising abstinence and are engaging in unprotected sex. That is the reality.

We think Bermuda should engage in counselling young people on the danger of AIDS in unprotected sex and the problems of unwanted pregnancy and the proper use of condoms. However Government cannot and should not deal in the theological dictates of religion. As it considers condoms, it must not bow to pressures brought by those religions which would have people die rather than give them a condom. Mr. Edness's mission as Health Minister is to save lives.

We part from Mr. Edness when he suggests that condoms should perhaps be available in the headteacher's office. The point is to achieve distribution in schools. We do not think many young people will approaching the headmaster in his lair and asking for a condom. No, Mr. Minister, you have to make them available easily and free in such places and the school lavatories, both the boys' and the girls'. We also think that condoms should be required to be easily available as a health service in such places as bars and that they should be sold in grocery stores.

Condoms should be so readily available that anyone who goes without one does so because he consciously chooses not to use one with his partner's consent.

No-one should have unprotected sex because a condom is not readily available.

We can only hope that Mr. Edness and the Advertising and Publicity Association of Bermuda hurry with a condom promotion scheme. According to Mr. Edness, they are working on a laudable scheme to encourage Bermudians, and young people in particular, to be more careful about their lifestyles and practice safe sex.

Every day that we do not promote condoms and safe sex we place more and more Bermudians at risk. We cannot do that with a clear conscience.