Earlier this year, the Royal Grenada Police Force outlawed such dressing and launched a campaign targeting youngsters who show their underwear by wearing pants below their waistline. The move was introduced by the Grenadian commissioner of police, who was sworn in last July. Some states in the United States have also instituted a similar law.

A story posted on the website www.kaieteurnews.com on January 9, quotes the commissioner as saying the rule is to remind people that they should observe a proper dress code when in public. The story also makes reference to an incident where a group of tourists were sent back to their cruise ship because of the way they were dressed.

When THE STAR spoke with Minister of National Security, Colonel Trevor MacMillan, however, he seemed rather unimpressed and disinterested in Grenada's move. He said it was a waste of time and he would not comment on the matter.

Other groups, however, like the Values and Attitudes Committee, believe such a move would reap great benefits. Lifestyle consultant and former convenor of the committee, Dr Heather Little-White, told THE STAR, "Definitely, this should be banned. It is a form of indecent exposure." She said the Values and Attitudes had proposed a national dress code as exists in Bermuda.

She continued, "Men should wear shirts and merino-type tops should not be for the public. Even from a public-health perspective, it creates a risk, especially in public places."

Dr Little-White, said banning saggy pants would " bring back some law and order and with other measures would encourage decent public behaviour".

The trend of wearing jeans below the natural waistline was made popular by the hip- hop culture, which, through cable and other media, filtered into Caribbean societies.