I am sorely disappointed, Wendy

She is a patron of HIV children in Trinidad and most recently a motivational speaker for impressionable youths in the nation, particularly young teenage girls, very admirable indeed. She has now decided to become an "unwed mom" and advocates that was her decision to make. While that is her decision, to bring a child into the world, independently as a career woman, what message is that for the youths to whom she speaks, that it is alright to have children independent of a father figure? Is that not one of the major reasons for juvenile delinquency? Single mothers trying to raise children without the support of a father? What about the girls who may not be as fortunate to have won fame and fortune through a beauty contest, have a lucrative career with the added perks that comes with such an achievement? In addition, for her to become pregnant, meant that the "condom nazi" did not use a condom, then again I am sure that all the necessary HIV tests were done before this end result.

Some people may think me a prude, citing Brian Lara and Machel as unwed dads but they are not motivational speakers to youths of this nation.

Yes, Wendy when your turn comes around for you to speak to my teenage daughters, I will be advising that they do not attend, since my husband and I are the ones to set the example and provide the needed guidance. I respectfully think that you should decline the offer to speak as a "Motivational Speaker" to young impressionable youths, since in my layman’s understanding, that it just what it is and to continue to do so would encourage such youths to follow in your footsteps even though you declare "This is a choice I made. This is not random. I am not a t teenager. I am a 33-year-old professional!" Then guide your future daughter (God forbid should you have a daughter) to do as you do.

DEBORAH HENRY

Port-of-Spain