Women’s Affairs Minister Gladys Gutierrez told reporters that her office will strive to fight child prostitution, especially in those areas dedicated to serving tourism. The minister said that child prostitution was a most serious problem that must be met head-on using every possible means. Gutierrez met with the personnel of the Corripio Communications Group during one of their weekly lunches. Accompanied by several of her officials, Gutierrez pointed out that poverty and parentless children are merely part of the price the country is forced to pay as a result of this illegal activity. The minister also included family violence as part of the set of problems, since children who are left without parents become easy targets for sex trade recruiters. The minister pointed out that Boca Chica, a prime tourist area in the province of Santo Domingo, has exhibited the highest incidence of child prostitution. She feels the eradication of this activity will strengthen the future of the tourist industry and lead it well into the future. Joint programs with the ministries of Education and Public Health will be the focus of the prevention and eradication program.