Photos Drew (left) and Carty (right)
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS – A call for a national dialogue on the decriminalisation of marijuana and its medicinal use, has come from a leading member of the opposition St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party.
Dr. Terrance Drew, the caretaker for the SKNLP’s St. Christopher 8 and Sen. the Hon. Nigel Carty at the same time question remarks by Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris on the positions of United States President Barak Obama and the Jamaican leadership position on the marijuana issue.
During Wednesday’s edition of “Issues” on Freedom FM and simulcast on Kyss FM, Dr. Drew congratulated the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) on its recent decision to convene a symposium on the issue and said the SKNLP will soon have discussion on the issue.
Dr. Drew in referring to comments by Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris and the Premier of Nevis Hon. Vance Amory said they are “both on the wrong side of the issue.”
“The SKNLP is asking for a national dialogue. It needs to happen now,” said Dr. Drew, who referred to repeated claims by Dr. Harris he recently, spoke to US President Barak Obama who he claims, is opposed to the decriminalisation of marijuana even in the United States.
But Dr. Drew accused Dr Harris of lying as it is widely known that the Obama Administration has instructed the United States Department of Justice that they should ease up on the prosecution and the pursuing of marijuana use.
Dr. Drew also called for the criminality of marijuana to be addressed noting that the former SKNLP administration had pledged to begin a national dialogue on the issues related to all aspects of marijuana use, its medical values as well as mental effects of its use.
Senator in the National Assembly, Hon. Nigel Carty accused Dr. Harris of lacking the understanding or unwillingness to have an understanding of the marijuana issue now confronting St Kitts and Nevis.
“He seems not being able to sit down and have a respectful discourse with the wider community so that he can have a better appreciation for the issues,” said Mr. Carty.
He too challenged the statement from Dr. Harris that U S President Obama told him the United States Government will never legalise marijuana in his own lifetime.
“I believe that the prime minister is misguided or simply not telling the truth. The prime minister knows that the issue of dealing with marijuana is being handled at the state level,” Mr Carty pointed.
Sen. Carty also questioned Prime Minister Harris’ statement that Jamaica is regretting its recent decision of decriminalising possession for small amounts of marijuana.
“Dr. Harris has tried to instill fear in the wider community by stating that in Jamaica banks are losing their licences and the ability to have corresponding relationships with banks in the United States. Dr Harris knows that this is not true and it is far from the truth. Whatever is his position or his fears or whomsoever is supporting him and financing him, he has taken their own position and not looking at the issues that are impacting the ordinary people of St. Kitts and Nevis,” said Mr, Carty.
