BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - OPERATION Rescue's Dwyer Astaphan is throwing his firm support behind having national discourse on the decriminalisation of marijuana use.
That support comes in the wake of Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris in recent times firmly shooting down a similar position taken by the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP).
He has, however, changed course, indicating that a committee would be established to look into matters relating to decriminalisation.
Astaphan, who has been a vocal critic of some of the decisions that the government has made, told SKNVibes that marijuana cannot be decriminalized at the level of the Nevis Island Administration, as is being pushed by the NRP.
“I don’t see how that is going to happen,” he said.
The announcement that the national discussion would be had is welcomed by the former politician, now political and social commentator.
“I think that is a step in the right direction. It is a very important matter, regardless of what your views are on it. There are diverse views on it, and in a democracy, it warrants public discussions, and let that public discussion form part of government’s policy.”
The Nevis Reformation Party (NRP), led by former Premier Joseph Parry, has been very vocal on their plans to have it decriminalized on that island should they win the 2018 local government elections.
Parry recently told SKNVibes that too many of the young people - both on St. Kitts and Nevis - have been jailed for having small quantities of the plant, noting that it is for that reason they have begun holding discussions on decriminalization.
Astaphan said the NRP was well within its right to express its view explaining that it is part of the democratic process.
“You talk about it, you discuss it and you let government policies be framed accordingly”.
Additionally, he noted that all factors must be taken into consideration, not just locally but those on the regional and international scene.
Opposition leader, Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas has made calls publically for open discussions on the decriminalisation of marijuana.
“We are part of that body of views and policies, where there has to be again, open discussions on this matter. We believe that the time has come for the decriminalisation of marijuana use, of course in limited quantities,” Douglas said on KYSS Radio.
He continued, “We believe that they should be expunged from the records of those who have been offenders, and those charged, tried and sentenced by the court. We believe again that based on the quantity, it should be expunged from people’s records. Because we see this more as a medical issue rather than a criminal issue at this point in our development.”
A number of countries have in recent times have decriminalised marijuana, and according to media reports Canada may soon follow.
