Residents express mixed views on legalization for recreational use
NASSAU, BAHAMAS Minister of National Security Marvin Dames said yesterday he can “absolutely envision” a future where marijuana is legalized in the country.
“That’s the way the world is moving, but after having said that, we have to be responsible in our approach to it,” he said.
Minister of National Security Marvin Dames.
His comments come as debate around legalization of the drug has heightened following Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ announcement that the government is drafting legislation to present to Parliament on marijuana legalization.
However, some residents remain torn on whether the government should move full steam ahead with the proposed legalization.
Wendy’s, Marco’s Pizza and Popeyes franchise group “elated” over announcement of relaxed restrictions for vaccinated patrons
NASSAU, BAHAMAS A prominent Bahamian franchise group said yesterday it was “elated” at Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ announcement that indoor dining will be permitted for persons who have been fully vaccinated.
Terry Tsavoussis, who along with his brother Chris head Aetos Holdings, the Wendy’s, Marco’s Pizza and Popeyes franchise, told
Eyewitness News: “We are elated that the prime minister has potentially opened indoor dining and welcome the introduction once vaccinated.
“Please keep in mind that post-COVID-19 we have new measures in place to ensure limited indoor dining, mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing that are fully utilized and adhered to at all of our locations.”
Speaker asserts PM has made up party paraphernalia with 39-seats slogans
NASSAU, BAHAMAS Constituencies Commission Chairman and Speaker of the House of Assembly Halson Moultrie yesterday accused Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis of undermining the commission’s potential recommendations of boundary changes, noting that the prime minister has already printed campaign paraphernalia with the Free National Movement (FNM) winning the existing 39 seats.
He also said the prime minister’s utterance that the boundaries will not change in absence of the data and information in the commission’s possession was “premature”.
He made the statement while appearing as a guest on ILTV’s “Beyond The Headlines” with host Clint Watson.
Attorney General Carl Bethel. (FILE PHOTO)
NASSAU, BAHAMAS Attorney General Carl Bethel said yesterday draftspersons are in possession of marijuana legislation from around the region that could guide The Bahamas’ legislative framework on regulated growing and use of medicinal cannabis.
Responding to questions from
Eyewitness News on the status of the legislation, Bethel said: “It is not ready. I have obtained some precedents from other jurisdictions, which have been sent to the draftspeople; some copies of legislation from other jurisdictions, which in one case I forwarded to the draftspersons.”
When asked if the Jamaican model was a front-runner, Bethel chuckled, but did not confirm which model was forwarded.
(FILE PHOTO)
NASSAU, BAHAMAS Caribbean Association of Pharmacists (CAP) President Dr Marvin Smith said the association supports Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ announcement concerning legalizing medicinal marijuana in The Bahamas and stands prepared to lend their expertise.
“The Caribbean Association of Pharmacists for a number of years, particularly through the time of my presidency from 2016, has been adamant about our support for the proper research, the proper medicinal use and the proper education of the public on medicinal cannabis,” Smith told
Eyewitness News.
Caribbean Association of Pharmacists (CAP) President Dr Marvin Smith.
“Now, we feel that cannabis is a medicine; that all the scientific data going back decades has already proven this.