BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE recent announcement of Jamaica’s decriminalisation of marijuana and CARICOM’s reviewing of the herb’s decriminalisation across the region have been welcomed by members of the Rastafarian community on St. Kitts.
Public Relations Officer for the Rastafari Nyabinghi Theocracy Order, Ras Dabo Penny, who also functions as the Secretary for the Organisation of Rastafari Unity, told SKNVibes that both announcements are welcomed and expressed that it is time for the other territories within the Caribbean to follow in Jamaica’s footsteps.
“It is great news and it is a step in the right direction for Jamaica, and I think that all the Caribbean leaders should follow and walk in Jamaica’s footsteps. Because, like our Prime Minister said a few weeks ago when he was asked a question about marijuana, they were advised in some meeting in CARICOM that America is using all the profits that they could gain from marijuana, and if we are going to let them use and take advantage of all the patterns of marijuana and when it’s late join into the rate.”
He said decriminalisation is a step in the right direction, but full legalisation of marijuana is an expectation.
“So, we are glad that the governments are now waking up to the decriminalisation and from decriminalisation to full legalisation, because it is not really good to see how people are going to prison for marijuana use...”
Asked if the push of the Rasta community for marijuana decriminalisation/legalisation is based solely on their religion’s beliefs, Penny said the community is concerned about its holistic use and benefits to the people of the Federation.
“It is holistic for us. We use it in all different forms, and it is something that is inseparable to us as Rastas. And we have been advocating for such because we see it could be our niche out of poverty.
“As they (speak about) the declining world economy, there is need for industries right now. We think that marijuana could be the doorway for us to really improve our economic standing. Not by just pushing its smoking capacity but using its industrial use also; medicinal and industrial purposes that could raise millions for us here as a country in the Caribbean.”
