Government’s ganja bill further stalled amid UK/BVI COI talks
The government’s Cannabis Licensing Act has been stalled until the current BVI/UK talks on the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report, and the implementation of its myriad recommendations, have been concluded favourably.
This was the indication given by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley when he met with the media at a recent press briefing.
“None of those talks have moved forward until we come to an agreement with the United Kingdom as it pertains to our proposal because, of course, if the constitution is partially suspended, I will no longer be in a position to negotiate,” Premier Wheatley stated.
He said the only way that the BVI‘s leaders will be able to continue with discussions regarding the Cannabis Licensing Act, is if there is a confirmation that the BVI will continue to have “a democratic framework“ in place.
“As soon as we get that confirmation, God willing, we can return to the talks about getting assent to that piece of legislation,” said Premier Wheatley who still has primary portfolio responsibility for agriculture.
The Premier further stated that he believes there is “potential” for the legislation once it has been agreed upon and assented.
After being passed in the House Assembly nearly two years ago, the bill was sent to former Governor Augustus Jaspert for assent but was instead sent to the UK‘s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for further discussions by the then-governor.
Jaspert had argued that necessary safeguards such as a licensing body, were not in place to properly administer the sector once the law had been passed.
At the time, former Premier Andrew Fahie called the move by the UK-appointed Governor “unprecedented”; arguing that it was a first in the BVI‘s political history.
Working groups had later been set up to attempt to resolve the impasse and arrive at a possible solution for assent of the legislation.
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Accept reality. Ganja is illegal in the BVI and always will be along with all the other illegal narcotics/drugs that grow or are shipped here. Use at your own risk.
Jaspert did not raise objections at Cabinet but then went behind cabinets back to stall the bill. He is now at No 10 still stalling it. Not a man I trust. I hope that the new Gov will behave better, and every indication is that he is a man that you can trust (even if you don’t agree with him).
You didnt trust him when he told you that the head of the government was involved in drug dealing. But he was right.
We should be thanking Jaspert for preventing the BVI from becoming a 100% narco state controlled by drug cartels.
Thank you Gus
What kind of government passes a bill like this without public consultation. Let me tell you, “One where the cabinet is absolute garbage.” Governor, please hurry up and dissolve this unity government nonsense and lets move on.
Several bills passed by this VIP government need to be recalled, including the greedy bill and the suspension of the constitution needs to be sooner rather than later. I am a BVIlander and I love my country but I can admit that many our past governments have been filled with thieves, and if we don’t fix it now, then when?
I cannot understand the objections. Why would you not want Fat Albert and his gang in charge of drugs, casinos etc.?
For those too dumb to understand , all Ali Fahie and his 40 thieves wanted to do was find another way to enrich themselves, their relatives and their cronies. And the money laundering opportunities would be good too.
If the government has been this dishonest in day to day operations, WTH will they do with Cannabis funds?
This Bill needs to be dismissed. Never was a good idea. There are and will be no customers for cannabis from the BVI. The US has more than enough grown there under proper conditions. This was just more of the Foy Follies.
The Drew (aka Fahee) is just like Slow Wande. They lack any commercial sense and only pushing these gimmicks.
This is the best they got, weed and gambling. Other jurisdictions pushing ideas and services for a 22 century economy.
Slow Wande and this bunch of id**ts who have placed themselves in charge are just representations of the old guard and their parties (worthless). They need to get thrown out like trash politicians that they are.
Get the gaming up and running, put the commission in place, get that done, that’s more necessary and important than Ganja forming. Later we can focus on Ganja Farming .
That is what you should calling on Govt dismissed the bill set of compromising and pretentiousness
7.8 million bills that not coming this way
I am happy about this. This not only should be stalled but it should be thrown in the trash where it belongs. If BVI wants to be a place of class and to be taken seriously, we should be focusing on other economic initiatives besides weed and gambling. Lets become creative and develop a band that makes us stand out as the true gem of the Caribbean.
YOU CA PASTOR NNOT EVEN FEED YOURSELVES BUT YOU ARE YOU PROMOTING WEED / AH GUESS WE GOING TO BE EATING , DRINKING AND SMOKING THEIR HOLY WEED ( HOPEFULLY CSC , D BISHOP AND THE SILENT DONE BLESS THE WEED ALREADY ) WELL HALLELUIAH
Hatred & ignorance is the reason some of you dont want this legalized. If your next child suffers from seizures you would suddenly discover its religious connection & be pushing for the ganja all in the churches OK
Talking about Hallelujah
Legalization for the people is bigger than the Unity government.
These blogers pushing UK’s agenda hard. Y’all do not have to push so hard. Just take the BVI and build the plan was there already, it just had to put in place. However even a blind man can see. If y’all was so keen in stamping out corruption UK is the first place to start.
Smaller countries like the BVI
gets the over spill from UK so do not think any body is being fooled. Most Virgin Islanders are not want a UK take over. They admit some things can be improved but that big stick strategy you all coming with and blowing this whole thing out of proportion that is UK strategy and you people with the same talking points are paid bloggers pretending to be locals.
I can’t speak for anyone else but I am right hur in Tola. This is one of the only outlets where you can speak your mind without any retaliation against your freedom of speech
Given drugs has just proved to be the downfall of bvi do we really want to start legalising anything like this
Hardly a priority in the current climate. Does the current premier really think this is the time to review this rather than good governance. Decent roads better schools better hospital etc etc.