Latest update April 20th, 2024 12:25 AM
Nov 14, 2022 Letters
An open letter to President Irfaan Ali…
Dear Editor,
Kaieteur News – Very shortly, President Irfaan Ali will give his signature to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill that was passed in the National Assembly late Monday night, making it law.
In short, someone found with marijuana can have up to 30 grammes in his/her possession and not be jailed. According to the amendment, persons nabbed with one to 15 grammes of marijuana will have to undergo mandatory counselling. Those found with more than 15 grammes of marijuana but less than 30 grammes of the drug will be required to provide community service.
Editor, kudos will have to be accorded to the Government for this amendment. We all aware that the issue of marijuana has divided this nation. Many in the Rastafarian community have argued that marijuana is for recreational and medicinal purposes. The fact that the Government in its decision not to have jail time for up to 30 grammes but still some punishment is a clear acknowledgement that danger still lurks and that overriding concerns of our jails being overcrowded mainly due to small amounts of possession weighed heavily in the formation of this amendment.
Health authorities have argued that the health risks are too dangerous. The world, on the other hand, is relaxing its stance on marijuana.
Soon the authorities, including police and the courts, will have to deal with the new regime.
Editor, it is a fact that enforcement in Guyana of our laws has been a major issue due to lack of resources and corruption.
The enforcers will have to insist that marijuana smoking should not be in public places where families gather.
An aggressive sensitisation will have follow. Business places, including bars and restaurants will have the onus to ensure that their premises remain free of marijuana. Instead of a $10,000 fine, it should be considered that the fines be $50,000 for the first offence and $100,000 for the second.
The authorities may well consider the establishment of a broad task force involving representatives of the police, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, and even the Ministry of Education to monitor the new laws when it becomes in effect.
Outdoor billboards and schools will have to be targeted for education. As a businessman, I am willing to be part of the task force, free of costs to the Government. My phone numbers are 233-5927 and 233-5137. I remain ready to serve. These amendments are ground-breaking decisions and places us in line with the rest of the modern world. However, it would put us 10 steps backwards if we are to consider the changes are mere measures to reduce the prison population. Imagine people barefacedly smoking a joint in front of police ranks knowing that there is no jail time.
We have to hold ourselves to high standards.
Regards
Cobeer Persaud
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