|
Last Updated: Jan 22, 2020 - 2:16:55 PM |
Statement By Leader of the Opposition
On The PM and the Marijuana Commission
I have read the Prime Minister's incredible statements about the Marijuana Commission, the PLP'S record on marijuana and his claims about protecting the poor. The Prime Minister is not speaking the truth on any of those matters.
The Prime Minister says the PLP did nothing on marijuana. This is false. It was the PLP who appointed Bishop Simeon Hall to the Caricom Commission on marijuana. Yes, the same Bishop Hall who the FNM appointed to the Marijuana Commission.
You must recall that it was CARICOM who initiated the movement to decriminalize and legalize the use of marijuana and in particular, medicinal marijuana. We were a part of the creation of that Commission as members of the CARICOM community.
Further, Bahamians will recall that during our last term in office, it was the PLP who amended the law to provide for a significant reduction in the timeline before criminal records are permanently expunged (this included the possession of small quantities of marijuana). This legislative reform measure was passed unanimously in the House of Assembly.
It means that the whole process of marijuana reform was started by the PLP.
On protecting and befriending the poor, it is a disgrace for the Prime Minister to claim to be a friend of the poor. No friend of the poor would allow a merchant to import plastic bags for one cent and then charge twenty-five cents for the same bags. Yet the Prime Minister is allowing it.
No friend of the poor would raise VAT to 12 per cent without notice and 60 per cent higher than it was and without notice. Yet the Prime Minister did just that - raised VAT on the backs of the poor.
A first year lawyer would also know that most people arrested for small amounts of marijuana are not sent to jail. Most get a conditional or absolute discharge or non custodial sentences. That is the norm.
I wish to advise that I led a delegation of Opposition Parliamentarians and party officers to Jamaica where we visited businesses in the marijuana industry there. We therefore know that the business of marijuana processing and distribution is capital intensive and is for rich businessmen and women. The Prime Minister should not seek to fool us that he is making way for small business people. The FNM is making way for their rich business friends to make a windfall when the law changes. In Jamaica for example, it takes about five million U.S. dollars to establish a marijuana business. The PLP wants to know who is being linked up to get these marijuana processing licenses, export permits and businesses.
The Prime Minister has to explain how after accusing the Health Minister of presiding over a ministry that leaked the Marijuana Commission Report to the press, that this same minister is still in his Government.
The Prime Minister needs to come clean, stop the hypocrisy and stop trying to fool the Bahamian people.
End
© Copyright 2020 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
