Basseterre, St. Kitts – AFTER a week of controversy that led to the arrest, charges and bail of Alkivaides ‘Alki’ David, as well as many unanswered questions, former Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Patrick Martin has penned a commentary in which he expressed his support for establishing a cannabis industry in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Within his commentary, headlined “Cannabis: Moving from Insanity to Industry”, Dr. Martin said, “A cannabis industry for St. Kitts and Nevis is bigger than Alki David. He is a potential investor, not the next best thing since slice bread.”
The former CMO made reference to the legacy of colonialism in its deception of cannabis sativa.
In so doing, he quoted Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity - “Doing the same things over and over and expecting different results” - and expounded on the deception of the plant.
“Since colonialism, we have been doing a same thing. We have been acting out a deception that caused the demonization of a plant that has profound medicinal and industrial properties.”
Dr. Martin pointed out that the Federal Government has been spending millions in the destruction of cannabis and also for the incarceration of its growers and users, and this led him to ask and respond to the question of expenditure.
“In the interim, on our behalf, government spends tens of millions every year to destroy creation and to incarcerate growers and users.
“What do we have to show for such expenditure? Hundreds with criminal records, and no contribution to GDP.”
The practicing paediatrician opined that while the Caribbean countries are shooting themselves in the foot, others are cashing in. “In fact, where cannabis legalization has been coupled with robust health promotion, tax revenue has increased, while recreational use has either moderated or decreased.”
Pointing to the recent saga involving the international investor, Dr. Martin said, “A cannabis industry for St. Kitts and Nevis is bigger than Alki David. He is a potential investor, not the next best thing since slice bread.”
He explained that like all other potential investors, David would have to pass investor impact assessments commensurate with the Federation being a nation of laws.
“Thus, the bigger picture is creating a united, non-partisan front to present St. Kitts and Nevis as an attractive investment destination but a nation of laws and unshakable pride,” he added.
Dr. Martin stressed that the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis are not a nation of jellyfish, noting that the Buckley’s Estate martyrs, Marcus Garvey, and the Federation’s national heroes had paved the way for political and socioeconomic progress based on self-reliance, solidarity and rule of law.
He explained that in the distant past, the agricultural side of the journey included cotton and sugar for export benefit only. But, “today, agriculture ought to be about food security and growing plants with medicinal and industrial benefits with the value-added done locally”.
Dr. Martin is of the view that the demonization of cannabis is an external-origin distraction, which is aided and abetted by internal agents of control.
“Their game is to undermine indigenous production to prevent ordinary people from enjoying the highest possible quality of life,” he added.
The former CMO strongly believes that the time is ripe for the Federal Government to get involved in the cannabis industry for medical purposes.
“Now that the deception has been exposed, the St. Kitts and Nevis electorate should appoint better shepherds to position the nation to be a strong player in the agricultural marketplace as a net producer.
“Press conference profanity and disrespect are to be condemned but ought not derail cannabis industry progress. F-bombs have been dropped at the Music Festival, but the show goes on. If a thing has a GDP benefit, its social and economic positives far outweigh personality negatives. Bring it on!”
