We never understood why a single presentation about the already accepted benefits of ‘medical marijuana’ having been abruptly pulled off the radio station, was not seen by the courts as an infringement on the person’s freedom of expression, but rather as some right to protect from ‘criminal’ activity. The matter is still to be resolved at the Appeal Courts – Privy Council level.
Within months after that not only that the said discussion was hyped up to another level with phrases such as legalising or decriminalising marijuana, indeed some measure of that has been done all around the world, US, UK, the Caribbean, etc.
Jumping forward we hear all kinds of ‘chatter’ about the subject, with the only attempt being done at any discussion on what IS or at least somewhat a fairly complex matter, a mission from CARICOM, or was it OECS that held a one-night forum here.
What is done anywhere else in the world, be it next door or at the farthest end of the world, when it is good, no one shouts or even smell adaptation, yet we seem so ready to accept and jump in the tub with suspect activities without any real discussion, education where necessary and understanding so we can benefit from the good if any in what is taking place.
The ‘idle and deep down baseless, goalless’ chatter surrounding ‘marijuana’ which is is nothing more than political gimmicks, is not worthy of discussion in the Legislative Assembly. All that does is a lack understanding and appreciation for what that the Speaker tried to explain it ought to be a few weeks ago. There was a time when regional discussions looked to Montserrat representation for the guide when all or most of the issues were scattered.
This is an issue that deserves far more than what has been reaching our airwaves. Already every week, nearly every day there is news of the fall-out from what is being perceived as the legalising or decriminalising of the ‘drug’. There is work to be done especially when one discovers that there are pushbacks already on some supposedly carefully thought-out all related matters.
It is not at all funny for that matter we mentioned languishing somehow up to the Privy Council, when all the presenter Claude Gerald wanted to do was to draw attention to what had been already well accepted that there was medicinal benefit to marijuana, not the mere ‘use of it’, because well-known too, there is danger depending on how used, pretty much like many other ‘legal’ drugs. He was never allowed to get beyond saying or even describing what he was about to say.
This is hardly unlike so many other real, important and serious matters relevant to the well-being, progress and prosperity to this island. Listen to or note the absence of the sensibility of just about anything coming from most, nearly all of our politicians about matters relating to the relevant issues mentioned. And this is of course not just limited to the politicians, but the leadership and management generally. It is now very widespread. And contrary to what some may want to believe there appears on the surface enough to mislead.
Unfortunately, selfishness and refusal to understand the newness and usefulness of the hyped ‘IT technology’; surface hypocrisies, will continue to be to the detriment to anything worthwhile and good for this country. Secrecy and corruption; blatant bad, made to look good, catching up and being selfishly ‘politically correct’, add the hypocrisy that comes along will all create problems for even or especially ‘spend the monies’. Let’s have some constructive dialogue, the time now is right.
‘Jus wonderin who we can get to moderate that.’
Getting to critical thoughts. When DFID mentioned on two occasions, in 2008 and 2012 about being ready to be serious about the then 13-year volcanic devastation, their interest in growth, supporting the ports ‘sea and air’, both Premiers since 2008 have removed the airport off the table of discussion. Neither of them, one more so than the other, had ever said that DFID had shown no interest in the one equally critical to the other.
It is the ‘chief minister’ in 2008 who we call on – we believe is capable, respected, honest and sincere enough to take Montserrat from here. But listen carefully and know what you hear – or don’t hear. But alas, the future is so uncertain. It is unimaginable, they who say, as their own belief is questionable, they have the know-how. Here is a warning for them. They should be ready to answer the question, “what do you believe you require to be a legislator and potentially, the leader of the country?” Then there is another, but that is for when the time comes.
(See marijuana stories in this issue)
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