SIXTEEN members of the Programme on Abstinence for Guyana (PAG), on Sunday, took the solemn pledge during celebration of a holy mass at St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church, West La Penitence, Georgetown. The group comprised twelve young men and women who have never been married, two religious sisters – sworn to lives of celibacy – and two married couples who pledged to be faithful in marriage and stay away from any extra-marital sexual activity.
The pledges were taken before the officiating priest, Reverend Stephen Patterson and a packed congregation comprising members of the St. Pius X Parish and other visiting parishes. 
The preacher congratulated the group on their committed and positive stance, to proudly and fearlessly witness for what is morally and spiritually right while leading by example and influencing other youths to maintain a healthy lifestyle, through abstinence and good choices.
He said this stance is commendable, particularly in the face of all kinds of manipulations and ever-growing bombardment of young people with messages bearing negative influences.
The group had representation from Georgetown, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, East Bank Demerara, West Coast and West Bank Demerara and Linden.
The PAG is piloted by the Roman Catholic (RC) Diocese in Guyana, under Bishop Francis Alleyne but is non-denominational. In 2004, at his invitation, a management team from the Louisiana Governor’s Programme on Abstinence in the United States (U.S.) conducted the initial trainer-of-trainers programme here.
Headquartered at the R.C. Youth Office, on Brickdam, Georgetown, as well, the programme, with the support of a local management committee, has established about 20 abstinence groups in various parts of the country. 
The programme focuses on a number of topics, including abstinence from sex outside of marriage, drugs and alcohol; faithfulness in marriage; emotional and physical health; promoting values of self-esteem; assertiveness skills; relationships and communication and understanding how to deal with peer pressure.