The brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity were discussing sex Saturday with younger brothers at a Project Alpha Youth Forum, an an initiative to reduce pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases among teenagers.
There were 22 young males between the ages of 13 and 18 at the forum in the Virgin Islands Cardiac Center conference room at Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital. The boys were from Upward Bound, the Boys and Girls Club and individuals brought by parents. The forum was also sponsored by the Rotary Club of St. Croix.
The aim of the forum is to increase the boys awareness of sexually transmitted diseases. The project also stresses the importance of abstinence as a personal choice, while promoting the use of contraceptives to individuals that choose to be sexually active.
In addition, Project Alpha aims to reduce the rate of adolescent sex and pregnancy. Reducing the rate of sexual abuse and violence among teenagers is an aim also.
Adrian Edwards, from the Department of Health, spoke about sexually transmitted diseases and condom use. Alexis George, spoke about consequences and affects of alcohol. He talked about promiscuity and losing inhibitions.
Terrence Joseph, from the Department of Justice, spoke about expenses, child support, and the responsibility of raising a child for at least 18 years. Carnell Troutman, from Men’s Coalition, spoke to the youth about domestic violence.
Gary Moore, an organizer of the forum, said the boys asked a lot of questions and were curious.
“It is a forum where the boys get to talk freely and openly,” Moore said. He added the topics and presenters were all tied in together.
Fraternity brother Robert Molloy, the assistant attorney general, got the boys involved in a role playing scenario where they were in court for the rape of an underage girl. They all played a part from jurors to witnesses. He was blunt and to the point speaking about sex crimes and the consequences. He told about the degrees of rape and the possibility of doing 10 years to life for rape. He told the boys that having sex under the age of 18 is against the law.