BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOR the first time in the CARICOM region, all Heads of Government - with the exception of the Surinamese President - formally discussed decriminalizing of marijuana.
This was the word coming out of the recently-concluded 25th Intercessional meeting held in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
According to information reaching SKNVibes, the meeting saw regional leaders engaged in intense discussions on the topic of marijuana, its use for medicinal purposes and decriminalization its use for recreation purposes.
Regional news agency, Kaieteur News informed that the Heads of State explored economic benefits that may be derived from marijuana cultivation. They said too that according to the Communiqué, signed on to by Heads, “Concerns were raised, especially regarding the potential public and mental health aspects of its use.”
A release from CARICOM said the Heads of State came to the recognition that there needs to be careful in-depth research of the implications of the measures contemplated, and it was mandated that a Regional Commission be established to address the issues identified and any others deemed relevant in order to provide clear guidance with regard to the decisions to be taken.
“In relation to this issue, we have obviously taken more than baby steps. We want the issue to be addressed in a serious, mature manner,”Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines the Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said.
The Commission is expected to report to the Regular Meeting of the Conference in July 2014.
The Regional Leaders also agreed to consider the establishment of a regional mechanism to advise Member States on their debt management strategies and sign on to the Commonwealth Small States Debt initiative.
The Debt management strategy committee would be led by the Federations Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dr Denzil Douglas.
