The Editor, Sir:

Mr Vernon Daley wrote a column in The Gleaner, dated 6/24/08, titled 'Detain us, if you can' but embodied to that wonderful column were excerpts addressing the 'Decriminalising and taxing of prostitution' by Dr Kevin Harvey of the Ministry of Health. Mr Daley said it was a fantastic suggestion.

To quote from his column: 'Dr Kevin Harvey, senior medical officer in charge of the Health Ministry's National HIV/STI Programme, last week made a fantastic suggestion about taxing prostitutes. The moralists, not surprisingly, already have their daggers drawn but, at least, he has got the nation's attention.

Regulation the main thrust

Of course, the prostitution tax was really his secondary issue. The main thrust of the argument is the regulation of commercial sex workers, in an effort to make it easier for health-care professionals to have access to this vulnerable group, engaged in a dangerous business'.

The idea of decriminalising and taxing of prostitution is a very grave and bad idea. It would make the PM and all the Government 'pimps'. The bill, if passed, would have to include homosexuals, the building of bawdy houses and regulations in place to police this sinful act.

Applause for Opposition leader

We would be saying and adding to our JTB slogan ... instead of saying 'Come to Jamaica, the Destination of Sand, Sun and Sea', we would also be saying the 'Land of Legal Prostitution, Sex, Sin and Tax'.

I applaud the leader of the opposition in voicing her disgust at the suggestion. Can you imagine a reporter going into a school and asked the question: What do you want to be when you grow up? and the response be, "I would like to become a legal prostitute"? Great response, Madam Opposition Leader.

I am glad to see that the PM (although slow and late to respond) has joined the Opposition and they are on the same page where this matter is concerned. Keep working together as leaders.

I am, etc.,

REUBEN A. MILLER

Reubenamilleraol.com