By Dwayne Mcleod, Staff Reporter

Local cops say they will be cracking down on 'orgy' parties, which are now becoming a popular addition to our party scene.

Although illegal, these parties are being staged regularly across the island, hosted at various places of residence and hotels.

Superintendent Fitz Bailey, head of the Organised Crime Police Division, told THE STAR that such parties will not be tolerated.

"Yes, it is illegal, I just want to know about it and we will go for them," a perturbed-sounding Bailey said.

He placed these parties in the same category as illegal massage parlours, noting that since January the police have been raiding a number of places and have arrested at least seven persons.

STAR investigations found that the cost of getting into the orgy parties cost between $2,000 and $4,000.

"There are parties where you can go alone and get some action, there are couples parties, swingers (bisexuals) and there are gay parties," Rohan, a promoter, explained.

At least two other promoters who have hosted these events said that they generate huge returns and, as such, larger ones will be staged.

Recently THE STAR attended a 'couples' party, where patrons young and old 'partied' the night away.

The event was slated to begin at 9:00 p.m. and when THE STAR arrived at the venue (a hotel in Portmore), the parking lot outside was buzzing with chatter and laughter from patrons making their way inside.

Skimpily clad

The men were casually attired, while some of the females appeared to have decided that less was best for the occasion.

Very short shorts and skimpy blouses gave a firm indication of what was to be expected later that night.

Upon paying the entrance fee, patrons were given the choice of wearing a mask, an offer few accepted.

Inside, it was noticed that there were no decorations in the room. Couches, sleeping mats and pillows were the prepared 'beds'. Slow jams played quietly from a little component set, tucked neatly in a corner of the room.

After the approximately 30 patrons spent an hour getting acquainted, a handful of curvy females entered and distributed condoms to everyone.

"You see those sexy ladies walking about, they will be giving out condoms ... We have an unlimited supply so take all you think you'll need. Safe sex is a must," the promoter urged.

Some persons instead used the condoms as toys and blew them up like balloons.

Soon after, the lights were dimmed and it was time for the main attraction.

"Don't be shy, we all know why we're here," the promoter said.

Action

For a few, this was just a signal to finish what they had already started as they were earlier seen cuddling and kissing.

In a matter of moments, the room, which was earlier filled with laughter and chatter, was now more quiet.

This made the perfect setting for the moaning and groaning that would ensue for the next four hours. During this time partners were switched around for sexual acts.

While leaving the venue, THE STAR spoke with Natalie, a 22-year-old female, who noticeably received a lot of attention during the session.

"Of course! These parties are always a lot of fun," she replied when asked if she had enjoyed herself.

More than eight men

She then admitted to having sex with more that eight men throughout the night.

"Memba seh is jus fun you know," she said while laughing. "It's just like having sex with one man, 'cause after tonight who knows if I will see them again, it's not like mi deh wid eight man is jus one night of fun."

Dr Sidney McGill, a sex therapist, told the THE STAR that individuals engage in activities such as an orgy party due to boredom and the need for sexual adventure.

"It's just a way of trying something different," Dr McGill said. He added that although sex is a private matter, some persons do find it arousing to partake in a public setting.

Nevertheless, he advised couples not to engage in the act as it might interfere with their relationship. "The disadvantages far outweigh the temporary sexual feelings ... It may create distraction in a relationship," Dr. McGill said.

Meanwhile, Carla Moore, behaviour change communication officer of the National HIV/STI Control Programme, which operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, said she was aware of such events. She said that they had not yet made any form of intervention geared specifically towards persons attending these events, but on a whole they targeted persons who engaged in risky sexual activities.

According to Moore, persons who attend these parties are being advised to protect themselves.