ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Barbadian artiste Rupert “Rupee” Clarke has weighed in on his involvement in HIV and AIDS awareness.

Clarke explained in an interview that the loss of his parents to AIDS has been the driving force to his committed involvement towards informing persons about the virus and the importance of practicing safe sex.

“It is something I hold very close to my heart (and) something that I’m absolutely proud to be doing. (It’s) a big part of my mission,” he said.

Clarke went from being a spokesman on the issue in Barbados to becoming involved in global organisations whose core purpose involves building awareness about the disease and the preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection.

“I work with the UN and various AIDS committees and councils across the globe because initially that experience was a very devastating and negative one, but I used that, turn it around, started to incorporate that in my music, into the message,” Clarke said.

Performing at last weekend’s Pre-Carnival fete “Leggz”, the artiste said that although sex is a beautiful thing, which should not be scorned or considered taboo, it should be practiced “carefully and respectfully” -especially during this popular time of year when persons tend to get ahead of themselves after indulging in a few drinks and attending a few fetes.

(More in today’s Daily OBSERVER)