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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
We listened with interest last week to Senator Hon. Dr. Duane Sands voicing his support of the idea of decriminalizing marijuana. His stance has garnered the attention of the press and has been the catalyst behind a renewed marijuana debate online. We in the Young Democrats are proud to see more and more Bahamian politicians recognize the shifting sentiments of Bahamians, particularly those who are younger, towards the use of the substance, its economic potential and the impact which the move to decriminalize will have on young men in particular. Indeed, it is encouraging to see Senator Sands and other members of the PLP and FNM echo several of the policy positions that the DNA has put forward over the few years.
On this particular issue, we, the youth of this party, made a special push to include the decriminalization of marijuana in the DNA's 2017 election platform. In the first version of our #GenerationGreen document released last year, we showed The Bahamas that the Young Democrats are not only willing to talk the talk, but walk the walk on serious national issues and we are pleased that the leadership of the DNA has already adopted some of our proposals, incorporating them into other areas of policy. Our nation’s youth will finally have something to celebrate when they see their wishes reflected in a major party’s platform, and our organization looks forward to their enthusiasm.
This time next year, we fully expect to be laying the groundwork with the DNA government for big social changes, including decriminalizing marijuana. The process of amending existing legislation may be lengthy, but with the support of the nation, these reforms can and will become a reality sooner than you might think. For now though, the Young Democrats will continue to agitate for real reforms that will exponentially improve the lives of young people across this archipelago of islands. We believe that the upcoming election provides us with the perfect platform to make the voices of young people everywhere, heard.
This generation is showing themselves to be the most progressive and forward-thinking group of Bahamians in our country’s history, which makes our contribution to national development unique. We believe that the DNA is the only party prepared to govern with this in mind. On a myriad of national issues, such as democratic reform, climate change and more, we are proud to say that the DNA has always led the charge - and, thanks to the efforts of young people, they always will.
Jayson Braynen
DNA Young Democrats
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
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