COMMENTARY: The DLP Smokescreen

Dr. Irving Pascal

The recent pronouncement in the Parliament to decriminalize the possession of ONLY an ounce of Cannabis in a vacuum reflects this administration’s trademark lazy, incompetent, reckless and irresponsible vote catching approach to National Development. In this case “Smoke an ounce and vote for Mr. Skerrit”. Promoting ONLY an ounce of Cannabis as legal is indeed the promotion of its recreational use by SMOKING.

Dominica needs an in- depth, comprehensive policy that incorporates the commercial, medicinal, psycho-spiritual and recreational aspects of the Cannabis plant. Such a policy must have strict regulations to protect at risks groups and inhibit associated criminality.

In the absence of wider public education and factual information on Cannabis liberalisation this “smoke a spliff and vote for me” policy could do more harm than good. For instance what will be the source of the Ounce? Will the producers be local? Will it be legal for them to grow the plant? Who will verify the Ounce’s suitability for human consumption? And what if one has an Ounce and a half? Will smoking the OUNCE be allowed in public?

This latest ‘catch a vote’ policy will not only perpetuate the demonisation of the plant; it will most likely increase the risks to the vulnerable especially our youth.

The intended DECEPTION here is so obvious that it can only fool a few.I hasten to add and caution that SMOKING is bad for our health and recent research confirms that the developing brain is to be protected from exposure to the RECREATIONAL use of Cannabis.

May the spirits of my ancestors be pleased.

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38 Comments

  1. Blessings
    August 13, 2019

    I buy my ounce scale already

  2. Lin clown
    August 12, 2019

    When Linton legalize WEED in 2040.Dr.Pascal will package it to sell on the BRITISH MARKET and get PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT.Wicked UWP.

  3. Lin clown
    August 11, 2019

    PASKARL,go make a survey,90% of Dominica do not care a flying F about marijuana.When Lennox become WEED MINISTER in 2040 he will export it to ENGLAND,like we did bananas.PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT.Uneducated VIEWSEXPRESS the PASSPORT you hold in your NAME,say’s at chapter 8 .THE PASSPORT IS THE PROPERTY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF DOMINICA.The passport you and your Lying UWP ,Lazy people hold belong to the GOVERNMENT.The most corrupt GOVERNMENT to govern DOMINICA is the UWP.UWP was KICKED out of POWER because of CORRUPTION.$ 6,000,000 Venezuela bobol.$ 4,000,000 Valley road bobol.$ 1,600,000 fertilizer bobol.Warner road bobol.UWP sold DOMLEC for peanuts.Domlec last profit was $ 12,000,000.UWP victimized GRACE TUNG and closed the LAYOU FIVE STAR HOTEL so the corrupt people could sell passports.The $ 2,500,000 House in Bougeois City is PASSPORT MONEY.UWP is against the 3,400 worker NEP.They against Clear Harbour,they said after ROSS is Clear Harbour.They against Yes We Care.The against opening…

    • joseph charles
      August 13, 2019

      your first line is sooooo wrong and misleading , I think you wanted to really say 10 % don’t give a …………

      • Do the right thing
        August 13, 2019

        Even at 10%, that’s greater than the Kalinago population. Real bad advice to the gov’t to ignore even :cry: 10% of their population.

    • Casio
      August 13, 2019

      I suppose that you yourself have done your survey. 90%?? laughable you are you clown.

    • Casio
      August 13, 2019

      DLP tried to sell Dominica to Communists. YOu forget that? The DLP of today is a different dlp. Same as the UWP today is the different uwp today. YOu want to talk about corrupt you fool, you forget PJ was jailed for how much decades? because the DLP was doing what they should not be? Put that in your pipe you ….. I think it is absolutely foolish to talk about past parties like present ones are the same. New times new parties. the DLP we have now has been the same as 20 years ago. that is a fact. the uwp in 1995 is not the same as we have today. new players. that is a fact.

    • jamie
      August 13, 2019

      Your name suit you right clow,,this man is well educated and is just speaking the facts,Skerrit is doing this just for the votes,and clowns like you continue to fall for the lies,give me a damn break.

  4. Do the right thing
    August 11, 2019

    Many people are so disappointed that both sides have taken that serious issue to this level of political insanity. The issue of legalization is too important to be brought to the level of political bouncing ball. To the leaders I say marijuana is no longer the big deal you still make it out to be. History and research has shown us that the whole thing of making it illegal has always been a political ploy by racists in the US to begin with. Medical, recreational, Rasta or not; just be up front and do the right thing, don’t play games with this; remove the restrictions, open it to business ventures, expunge records of those harmed by this foolish law, let’s move on.

  5. Truth
    August 11, 2019

    Where is one going to get the ounce? Import and or grow illegally? Is the PM promoting crime? This pronouncement by the PM was a joke to the international community and an insult to the canabis fanatics. There is so much more to cannabis than just feeling irie. Dominica is an Agricultural country, lease we go back to the soil(invest in farmers and farming for real) we are going backwards. Plant food and medicine take heed from the clergy; man should not make what GOD create illegal. Man made alcohol, GOD made weed; who do you trust? Legalize It!!!

  6. Ibo france
    August 11, 2019

    Someone on this forum wondered if any thought was put into this ‘policy’ before it was announced. Yes, I can assure that person. Mr. Skerrit and his schemers thought about enticing and bamboozling a particular set of the electorate to win votes. If they had any respect for the people, if they were serious about it, extensive public consultations would have been done throughout the length and breath of the island. No serious government would enact laws that have the potential to fundamentally affect the lives of all citizens without first consulting its people. This is an uncaring government that puts votes before the people’s needs and wellbeing. This One Ounce allowance is the most laughable thing that I’ve heard on the marijuana issue. The police and legal system will be tied up just by trying to ascertain that the One Ounce policy was adhered to.

  7. Ibo france
    August 11, 2019

    Dr. Irvin Pascal has once again revealed himself to be a true patriot, an influential and prominent citizen who is not afraid to speak truth to power unlike many other persons of privilege. Every single thought provoking statement that he has made, in this article, rings so loudly with truth. I’ve made this statement ever so often and feel compelled to repeat it once again. Everything, every word, every statement, every action by Mr. Skerrit is meticulously calculated to gain votes. He sees the people as votes and not human beings to be empowered to fend and achieve for themselves. Most things he does are done haphazardly without any sort of consultations with the public. It’s the “I Run Things” mentality you get from him every time. A country can only achieve its maximum potential when all its people work together or at lest the overwhelming majority. Dominica needs a government that is all inclusive, consultative and fair to all citizens even to those who oppose them.

    • Google
      August 13, 2019

      Lbo and Epigh you are the same oerson
      lol

  8. Garvey
    August 11, 2019

    It baffles me some people see wrong committed base on who you like or what coluor you wear. To call some people 5th graders fighting to hold a government accountable and do right by it’s people tells me we are in a whole lot of trouble.As far as some folks are concern wrong doing can go on as long it does not affect me. What happen to being a patriot to country first?

  9. Jeffrey Charles
    August 11, 2019

    Who will be the suppliers
    Who will verify the CDB and the THC components. There are also industrial uses of Marijuana
    The Oil and the harsh.

  10. Blaxx-familia
    August 11, 2019

    Dr. Pascal is correct. Correct in regards to the research that concluded, early exposure to marijuana usage is not recommended due to the effect it has on a “Developing” brain. That report also indicated that marijuana usage in adults 21 and over had “Zero” neurological effects on the adult brain. So, doctor Pascal, don’t be ignorant or rather think, that we are ignorant. Please quote medical journals accurately.

  11. Watchdog
    August 11, 2019

    Precisely! That is exactly what it is and again WE all have to live with the consequences. Thanks for this very intelligent (as always) comment. Let’s hope the right people read it.

  12. ?????????????
    August 11, 2019

    “”I hasten to add and caution that SMOKING is bad for our health and recent research confirms that the developing brain is to be protected from exposure to the RECREATIONAL use of Cannabis.” I agree with this statement Doctor Pascal but as a young doctor, why can you not go out to the schools -Primary and Secondary, speak to the students about this harm? The other part “smokescreen” I refuse to comment on for the whole world most persons are confused. We hear of all kind of rights gays etc all infact acting as confusion for our young people. When in government, one is confronted with all those rights etc. It is not easy to govern in that kind of world environment. One right we have is our God given right to please our Creator at all times. Wisdom comes only from the Great I am. All Glory honour praise to our Master. Scripture predicted all those confusions. Instead of blaming one another, let us objectively seek to find solutions with God at the centre.

    • Joseph John
      August 12, 2019

      @???????????, there are many publications explaining the harmful effects of ganga. The reputable NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY has published more than one magazine on this, but the money makers and their agents are or only thinking in terms of dollars.
      One would think that the good Doctor would give us a heads up on this from a preventive point of view instead of becoming an advocate/agent for ganga use.
      You can be blinded by smoke, you can die from smoke inhaling, you can get cancer from smoking, But Ganga is good for you. The doctor is a throat specialist advocating for the use of a substance that is a know “poison” for throats. No one is talking about ganga’ as an addictive substance and as the gateway to “hard” drugs.
      It should be noted that people who display anti DLP attitudes are at the forefront of the pro ganga movement , refuse to accept the health risk of ganga, and only see the money advantage. They have now turn ganga into a political campaign issue. Why ? Greed.

  13. Their eyes closed
    August 10, 2019

    Doc, too many of our people are blind to these tricks. I am convinced that the DLP is a cult. How can a country be able to generate such tremendous wealth in a short space of time, yet the majority is living in poverty? Then some of the same people still have the gall to say they want 5 more years of the same. It’s amazing! A scientific phenomenon.

  14. viewsexpressed
    August 10, 2019

    The Dominica Labour Party (DLP) Smokescreen: Thankyou Dr. Pascal.
    That smokescreen I gather is to do with questionable deeds we the people of Dominica would like to know ASAP of any Fraudulent financial behaviour going on within this corrupt Labour Governemnt over 19 years now.
    Lest us be open please before those blind loyalist and protectionists of Skerrit and their failed corrupt Labour government say it is all a lie. We need to haunt this failed Prime (Odd) Minister and that highly corrupt Labour Government to account the following: 1. Bin Bobol 2. Fertlizer Bobol 3. Abandon & Killed our agricultural produce 4. The high sales of our precious Dominica Passports, 5. Skerrit’s failed incompetent government ignored our export bananas. Where our farmers benefited, whereas the big boys benefit from our passport. Shame on you Skerrit and your deceitful acolytes. We Dominicans need to know where the hell is our money and where stored, and where & how invested?
    We don`t like Thievery.

  15. Hope
    August 10, 2019

    I too pondered on the announcement made by the prime minister…. I wondered if any thought at all was put into this… . I found this to be reckless behaviour on the part of his administration, totally thoughtless and extremely dangerous… Heavenly Father, let good sense prevail in my land please because this right there is nonsense!

  16. RandyX
    August 10, 2019

    Skerrits legacy will be a huge number of smoke screens, lies, deceit, corruption and and an unbelievable amount of incompetence.

  17. Joseph John
    August 10, 2019

    I am sure the good Doctor is aware of the fundamental truism that if the premise is wrong the conclusion must be wrong. The uwp and their supporters were the first to advocate the legalization of ganga. So the stigma you are trying to put on the DLP is a big fat lie and stinks of bias. There is no part of the imagination that Peter Alleyne and his friends in the “rasta community” can be considered DLP.
    You think because you are considered educated you can do political showcasing to gain credibility and you will hook public opinion in your favour.Your blind following of those 5th graders just show your departure from the doctors oath to adhere to and practice professional ethics.
    As a doctor I have never read/heard contributions from you on medicine. Your every point of view have been political with an anti-DLP slant.

    • Darius Lecointe
      August 11, 2019

      What exactly were you attempting to say on the subject? Did you take the time to understand what was written in the article?

    • Zandoli
      August 11, 2019

      Boss decriminalization and legalization are two totally different concepts. That is all I have to say to you.
      I share the same sentiments as the doc. This statement by the prime minister is meaningless.

    • Made in China
      August 11, 2019

      Read the article again, this time first clear your mind of political bias and try to actually understand what the man is saying.

    • Knowyourplace
      August 11, 2019

      @ John He is a Doctor but first a citizen of Dominica with a voice who can speak truth to power.

    • August 11, 2019

      Right on my friend, Joseph.

      There he goes again with this “spiritual” idea in the use of marijuana: “Dominica needs an in-depth, comprehensive policy that incorporates the commercial, medicinal, “psycho-spiritual”

      What does he mean by “psycho-spiritual”? The only “psycho-spiritual” effect of smoking marijuana, as I have noticed in those who smoke it, is that it defects the function of the mind. Which one of those marijuana smokers sang: “feeling high so high”? Was it, Bob Marley or Peter Tosh?

      Once again I am saying that the only “spiritual effect” that the mind of man needs is the one that brings the true enlightenment of freedom, peace, and tranquility, which can only happen by faith, not by smoking a joint of marijuana.

      • Joseph John
        August 12, 2019

        @Elizabeth,…… he is a doctor. He knows everything about medication even medication for the souls. It is the first time I have heard that we do not need religion, that we Christians do not need the Bible or Jesus for spiritual healing. You only have to smoke ganga and you will be saved and you will go to heaven.

    • Ibo france
      August 11, 2019

      You have never failed to disappoint with your off base, impertinent, moronic comments. The point was made that the One Ounce allowance was not properly thought out. It was rushed (as usual) to gain votes. You of all persons accusing people of thinking like fifth graders when your level of thinking can be equated to pre-school children. Dr. Irving is a lion, you are a sheep. Lions don’t be bothered when sheep attack.

    • Da pride
      August 12, 2019

      U r so correct ..dr Pascal is very much hypocritical..

    • Casio
      August 12, 2019

      To be honest John. I dont think you did very well in the subject of English when or if you went to school. This is the second paragraph in this article. – “Dominica needs an in- depth, comprehensive policy that incorporates the commercial, medicinal, psycho-spiritual and recreational aspects of the Cannabis plant. Such a policy must have strict regulations to protect at risks groups and inhibit associated criminality.” This is what the UWP is advocating. Its not a matter of whether they were the first to advocate for marijuana or not. Noone is arguing that. The point being made is that simply legalizing an ounce ONLY, is not the right move. The approach that needs to be taken is one pushed forward by the UWP, ive heard them many times say this on many platforms. That is actually a fact.

      • Joseph John
        August 12, 2019

        @Casio,…. you are right, I did not go to school. I did not go pass the 5th grade. So I am not smarter than a fifth grader. But when a doctor calls a government policy a “smokescreen” It makes me do a double take. I expected learnt and educated people to see the PM statement as an idea open for discussion , colaboration and negotiation and for counter proposal to be made.
        But what I see is the aggressive reaction of someone who was jilted or rejected. Someone with a huge grudge with chips on both shoulders. Someone who will do all in his power to degrade the PM and the DLP. As a Doctor I expect him to give the pros and cons on ganga. My position have nothing to do with politics. Do you know what ganga smokers did to Ted Honeychurch, Dr Honeychurch dad? Or Alcide Joseph younger brother ? Have you heard of a ganger smoker and kidnapper who called himself Tumba ? Have you heard of vaping killing youth. I accept one idea. Ganga is a good money maker but a health hazard, SLOW…

      • Joseph John
        August 12, 2019

        You are right, I am not an English man in possession of the complete attributes of the Queen’s English. So this business of DLP smokescreen really confuses me. You see I only know three big words…nonsensical, bombastic, verbosity which I learnt from your educated leader Linton. It makes him feels so important and Englishman educated with big words like a parrot quoting the Thesaurus or some dictionary.
        But permit me to say this….I did not curse teachers or fight in school or get deported. There are lots more I did not do so stay tuned.

    • Wesley man
      August 12, 2019

      Fallacious argument. Unfortunately, you are calling into question the man’s credentials when you should stick to his points. …and you describe yourself as learned? SMH

      • Joseph John
        August 12, 2019

        I never said I am a learnt man. If I was I would not be on DNO pretending I was smarter than a 5th grader. But I have heard of doctors taking an oath to commit to ethical professional practice. And can be held accountable for mal practice.
        If he did not behave in a manner for his credentials to be question there would not be any criticism, accusations or backlash. This he brought upon himself. Its his right to be a politician but criticism comes with that territory.
        I recognize ganga as a slow poison like the chemical salt (sodium) and sugar (artificial sweetener) that is giving us diabetes, high blood pressure and heart attack. I think I have an obligation to express the dangers of smoking ganga. I am only seeing death by it because it has cause death to 3 close relatives. And I am seeing what is doing to one of my boyhood friend. Did the good Doctor interview, examine or research any ganga smokers and submitted or publish any reports. That would be professional ethic.

  18. you hit it
    August 10, 2019

    Doc, you are right on target. Bravo! :-D

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