Most of these relationships occur through services provided in the tourist and commercial areas. Most islanders have regular contact with outsiders. A thriving, but discreet, sex industry involving women and men exists and while disapproved, is never acknowledged by officials for fear of damaging the tourism industry. Literacy levels are high but fewer boys than girls graduate from high school. The health system is highly functional and includes a series of health care clinics around the island.
Most people are Christian and there is strong tradition of other local spiritual beliefs.
The island, because of its natural beauty attracts many thousands of tourists and provides circumstances in which considerable sexual activity does occur between local people and foreigners. Because of the islands urbanised nature, young women and men move freely between the villages and the main centres for economic reasons. In addition, the country hosts a Jazz Festival early in the year, which attracts a considerable influx of people from North America and Europe. A communal festival held mid-year enjoys generous participation by a number of locals and visitors from other Caribbean territories. Those who have become infected are mostly men and women who work in and around the tourist areas.