PM Skerrit says UWP position on marijuana lacks conviction

The use and legalization of marijuana is being widely discussed in Dominica

Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, does not appear impressed by the United Workers Party (UWP) position on the use of marijuana in Dominica saying it lacks conviction.

He, however, said he supports the use of the now-illegal herb for medical and religious purposes.

“There is no conviction to what Mr. Linton is saying,” the Prime Minister said on the matter on Kairi’s Next Level Program on Tuesday evening.

In the UWP’s latest statement on the much-discussed issue, Linton called for “a National Consultation of all stakeholders and civil society organizations before the 2018/2019 National Budget, to discuss and agree what needs to be done urgently to secure Dominica’s place in the global hemp industry.”

He said the industry is “a multi-billion dollar medicinal and wellness products industry” that “is expanding by leaps and bounds around the globe using extracts of hemp – a plant that has been produced in Dominica for decades.”

“We, therefore, need to move speedily and purposefully claim a worthwhile share of that growing business before it is too late,” he stated.

“Mr. Linton believes that because Prime Minister Gaston Browne said this and Prime Minister Gaston Browne had a huge victory in Antigua that he can win,” the Prime Minister stated. “Gastone Browne won because of the astuteness leadership that Gaston Browne has provided to the people of Antigua and Barbuda but also because in many respects the opposition in Antigua behaved like the opposition here.”

Linton was in the US recently where the UWP said he was discussing “the growth potential of the market for hemp-based products with leading industry players.”

The Prime Minister said he was unsure of Linton’s trip but said that “philosophically and fundamentally, I’ve always been of the view that we need to engage ourselves on the issue of marijuana.”

“We also have to be mindful and that is where reasoned, sensible leadership must come in,” he stated.

He noted that there are many people in Dominica who have proclaimed that marijuana old help them fight cancer.

“I believe that the country, the citizens of Dominica need to seriously engage on this matter of marijuana for medical purposes, to explore the medicinal benefits of marijuana,” he stated. “But you cannot just take a decision and leave it like that. There are a number of other aspects one has to consider. The issue of how do you grow it, what conditions do you grow it, the issue of licensing, the issue of permits. Where can you buy it? Who can sell it? Who can grow it?”

He added that there are a number of things in terms of legislation and regulation that have to be considered.

“Belief, myself personally, from a philosophical standpoint, I believe that we need to allow people who are registered as Rastafarians in certain localities, certain areas where they practice their religion to be allowed to use this for religious purposes and of course all that too has to be properly managed,” he stated.

 

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

42 Comments

  1. Child of Itassi
    June 7, 2018

    “Not on my watch” Dr. Punjab said previously on the subject of legalizing marijuana.
    Well who tell him say dat?!

    Father’s eyes like blood,
    Church jooking my eyes.
    One praying to God,
    The other, Rastafari.

    Excommunication,
    If I go for weed.
    Father shows elation,
    Offers me some seed.

    Yet still I am afraid
    I’ll just blame Lennox Linton.
    For things that I have said,
    And say he lacks conviction.

  2. ploops
    June 7, 2018

    was marijuana ever legal lol ?

  3. Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pampers
    June 7, 2018

    It’s time to think outside the box and put Dominicans back to work and back in control of their own destiny. Agriculture will always play a major role in our island. Why not legalize weed for medicinal purposes and include it as part of our tourism product. This would be an instant economic boom for those willing to work, grow and cultivate this plant. Instead of building cheap plywood homes for Laborites, allow the masses to once again control their destiny.

  4. Frank Talker
    June 7, 2018

    Breaking News: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit Disagrees with Lennox Linton

    “[We need] a National Consultation of all stakeholders and civil society organizations before the 2018/2019 National Budget, to discuss and agree what needs to be done urgently to secure Dominica’s place in the global hemp industry.” LENNOX LINTON

    “Philosophically and fundamentally, I’ve always been of the view that we need to engage ourselves on the issue of marijuana.” ROOSEVELT SKERRIT

    I think Skerrit needs classes in English Literarcy

  5. Man bites dogs
    June 7, 2018

    I am the opposition leader of Dope, Please vote for me and every week each one of mine voters will get a big brown paper bag full of Marijuana, You don’t need an education, or a professional person take for example me i don’t have any qualifications nore education a school drop out, But i could make lots of money by telling lies and talking rubbish, When i said there will be stone like rain no no what i said was everyone will be stoned out of their heads, Please vote for me and every one will be look after yours truly Mr Dope.

    • My Take
      June 13, 2018

      With that comment, I could of sworn theyve let you out of Alpha centre too early

  6. Gigs
    June 7, 2018

    Mr linton is stoned .again and dont know the diferenc between hemp and ganja.
    I for sure dont want my family smoking ganja .does mr linton want that for his family and friends family?

    • johnnie Boy
      June 8, 2018

      Gigs has Mr.Linton ever suggested that anyone should smoke Marijuana ? Stupessss

  7. Roy Williams
    June 7, 2018

    Great job, Hon Lennox Linton. Regardless to what Skeritt believes, you went on a mission in an effort to assist Dominican farmers , and Dominicans by extension, you reported to the nation. You should be complemented for that. Skeritt travels all over the world, when he returns to Dominica, he does not report to Dominicans. In fact, he does not even have the courtesy to inform Dominicans, when he is leaving the country. It is to early to place this recommendation, on the conviction ship.

    • Man bites dogs
      June 7, 2018

      @ ROY WILLIAMS, you must be on dope, or leaving on a deferent planet, how on earth could you say Linton, should be complemented for what?going abroad shaming his country and his self that guy Linton hasn’t done anything for Dominica apart from milking it for what he can get under the counter in his travels all over the world begging for his personal gain, tell me one thing Linton has taken back to help Dominica, only to come back like a little puppy pretending to be working hard for Dominica,! look ROY you and your lots might be stupid but we Labour supporters aren’t, So take your **** home with you and don’t give it to us.

  8. Ibo France
    June 7, 2018

    Everything in Dominica is highly politicized. If the Opposition says or supports something, invariably the government will be diametrically opposed to it or cast aspersions on the said matter. The decriminalization and legalization of marijuana has become a hot button issue in the Caribbean and further afield. Instead of taking a definitive stand on this burning issue, Skerrit is kicking the can down the road. From his statements, the PM appears to be totally discombobulated, very unsure and confused about what position to take. As with everything, Dominica is always left behind playing ‘catch up’..

  9. Papa Dom
    June 7, 2018

    Here we go again! Giving wings to foolishness from the mouth of Roosevelt Skerritt. “Linton called for “a National Consultation of all stakeholders and civil society organizations before the 2018/2019 National Budget, to discuss and agree what needs to be done urgently to secure Dominica’s place in the global hemp industry.” “I believe that the country, the citizens of Dominica need to seriously engage on this matter of marijuana for medical purposes, to explore the medicinal benefits of marijuana,” he stated. “But you cannot just take a decision and leave it like that. There are a number of other aspects one has to consider. The issue of how do you grow it, what conditions do you grow it, the issue of licensing, the issue of permits. Where can you buy it? Who can sell it? Who can grow it?” What is the difference in these two statements? He(skerritt) cannot stand the fact that Lennox has started the process by informing himself of the potential uses of the plant

  10. Josh Shaw
    June 7, 2018

    when is this guy known as dr Punjab gonna stop blow hot air. Alot of words were said by Punjab but nothing useful was said! Lenox Linton won this round by a large margin!

  11. Leviathan
    June 7, 2018

    What he wouldn’t say nuh? He just salty because Lennox Linton beat him to the table with talks about legalizing weed and giving Dominicans a chance to make some HONEST money. Have several seats Skerrit. You are a visionless greedy fool!

  12. Neverson St jean
    June 6, 2018

    Why doesn’t the prime minister just disappear. Then I hear people talking about handshake and a bunch of crap

  13. Jeff
    June 6, 2018

    Skerrit wants the Rastafarians and all who smoke ganga on his side and that is a lot of votes eh, but what has Lenox said that has Skerrit bazoodie so 8-O :-D
    Playing politics with peoples lives .Stupes

  14. Bush Doc
    June 6, 2018

    He sounding stoned…

  15. Donald
    June 6, 2018

    “Not on my watch” was what the Dominica PM said previously on the subject of legalizing weed. Is this the new ‘international airport’ vote grab?

  16. Chess game
    June 6, 2018

    Yes Gaston Brown won because of his stance on marijuana. All dreadlocks, Rasta, people who smoke it voted for it, and that’s a sizeable portion of the voting population who voted not just for him but for legal marijuana. That and that alone put Gaston over the top. Don’t be scared, that’s EXACTLY what happened.
    By the way, you can’t manage religion. So stop the BS. If one is interested you go to Colarado and network, learn about how to get into the global business because the players in the business they all go there, and that’s how you show seriousness that will yield economic benefits for your people.
    Has anyone mentioned how smoking marijuana can slow the onset of glaucoma by lowering eye pressure?

  17. Dominican/West Indian
    June 6, 2018

    So you’d have to be a “registered” Rastafarian to smoke marijuana legally in specified “sacred” locations?!
    Feels like they would over-regulate the “budding” industry to try to err on the side of caution.
    But we really have a lot of discussing to do on that matter.
    I for one don’t feel comfortable when I see these young men in the middle of the day in the middle of Roseau wrapping their splif and smoking it like is nothing.
    Often times doing nothing with their young lives.
    I really am pro-weed but we need to have “checks and balances”.

    • Chess game
      June 7, 2018

      It’s called jobs! No jobs, they’re idle. The govt is trying but it is what it is, no jobs.

  18. Man enough
    June 6, 2018

    Like really, why should the government and opposition be fighting about weed at this moment. There are so many important issues to deal with in Dominica. Weed out the tapoulins. Get the houses covered. Fix the electricity. Get the economy going. Right now Dominica is showing signs of a collapsed state, yet the talk is about weed.
    Guys get the country back on its feet. Stop playing politics with the country. Don’t you guys read about other islands n how Dominica is last cacarat in everything. Set Dominica free. The country is collapsing………… Skeritttt is using hurricane Maria n the the goodies to win another election.
    God forbid that things en get rough this year.
    So much aid Dominica getting n plenty assistance where de people money going? In plywood houses? Only Dominicans will take that garbage leadership. Wen people help Dominica it’s for the people not Labour n Skerritt to win votes. Stop talking bout weed, build back the country.

  19. Charlie Rose
    June 6, 2018

    Oh sh** they going to fight over it. I just knew it. It is my hope that the government does the sensible thing and legalize the herb. It is not a big deal anymore. We do not see kids drunk all over the place, yet alcohol is legal; and I see no reason to make alcohol illegal even though some may abuse it. Don’t fight over whose got it right, just do the sensible thing and Make it legal to posses and not risk filling up the jails anymore. That enables people who are interested to research, smoke (the THC fights glaucoma), extract, go in to business ventures and not risk prison if you do so. Just ask Gaston Brown in Antigua he is another already ahead of the game and not imprisoning his people for it
    anymore. These guys are not going to miss out on the medicinal and economic benifits going forward. Just do it.

  20. derp
    June 6, 2018

    “The issue of how do you grow it, what conditions do you grow it, the issue of licensing, the issue of permits. Where can you buy it? Who can sell it? Who can grow it?”

    From that statement alone I can already gather that this guy is just playing games

    • RastarMarn
      June 6, 2018

      Garçon there wasn’t all this debate when the Europeans was supporting the growing of Bananas for their self enrichment,,,

      Dominica have all the conditions for producing hemp all mista-dem need to worry about is how much the market can bear because once that start growing who knows, because they don’t call it Weed for no reason,,,

      Everybody will benefit because every body can grow it,,,

      Once the production starts then the whole stigmatization of Hemp and Cannabis won’t be as vicious as is it today because the stuff is not really mass produce,,,

      For those of you who do research just do a little onThe United States Prohibition of Alcohol
      January 16, 1920 through December 5, 1933,,,

      As Marn said in an other post all mista-dem need to worry about is Educating the Masses (https://www.medicaljane.com/2015/01/14/the-differences-between-hemp-and-cannabis/)

  21. Anon
    June 6, 2018

    The Prime Minister said he was unsure of Linton’s trip but said that “philosophically and fundamentally, I’ve always been of the view that we need to engage ourselves on the issue of marijuana.”

    Yet in the almost 2 decades that you have been in power, you have taken no steps to legalize or really engage in any sort of meaningful debate on the issue of the legalization of marijuana.

    There is no conviction to what you are saying, Honourable PM.

  22. dissident
    June 6, 2018

    You just throwing stones.
    The thing is while it is being discussed at CARICOM level as Prime Minister you didn’t invite any discussion on the subject.
    Lennox approach is clear…no dark shades and he invite all stakeholders and interested Dominicans to join in the discussion.
    I honestly think that if you were to initiate the discussion you would do so after closed door meeting with your people you would want at the head of the industry making the biggest profit.
    Like you were the silent beneficiary.

    I’ll be there at the consultation.

  23. LifeandDeath
    June 6, 2018

    I’m not surprised that Mr. Skerrit can’t understand what Mr. Linton is saying. The truth is “shallow minds drown in deep waters”. Skerrit was never and will never be ready to move Dominica forward.
    We all know that the real truth about a man, is to be judged by what he has done as compared to what he says.

  24. June 6, 2018

    What’s is Skerrit’s convictions after 18 years???? NOTHING
    He can’t think that far :-D :-D :-D

  25. viewsexpressed
    June 6, 2018

    Skerrit, this failed PM that you are, you just not and cannot get into comparison study debate especially with Hon. Linton. You are not of Hon Linton`s league and you`re poor in the ethics and bigger picture of the value of politics and good governance. You are not of the type nor of the standard of Hon. Linton and his decent professionally thinking UWP Team Domininca. You may have lost it, or was unable to comprehend what Hon Linton articulated on the subject of Marijuana and its use. In Hon Linton`s discuss the obvious process and bigger picture a decent and sensible approach and way forward of country before one implements the final plan. Whereas in your poor judgement of our island and resources you have not shown foresight, but implemented a plan of abuse and misuse of states funds and that of the many vulnerable, poor people and families of Domininca. How, well through the Red Clinic, the distribution of funds all over by your loyal blind scouts who appears to be bind followers

  26. BenPro
    June 6, 2018

    The issue of marijuana legalization needs a leap of consciousness in order to understand its implications for a growing third world class society like Dominica. Firstly, it would create allot less hassle for the police and families if we were to only accept it as a widespread used herb in Dominica, by creating less hazards for its users. Secondly, it is the only potent natural solution in nature, used in its unprocessed state for the healing of many ailments that seems perfectly suitable for poorer nations that cannot readily have available other expensive pharmaceutical alternatives. Even as a recreational used herb it can act as a medicine for ailments while strengthening the consciousness of its users. We should definitely find a practical and workable solution for all the marijuana farmers in Dominica in order that they may provide for their families and loved one a suitable life to uphold their natural principles.

  27. Real!!!!
    June 6, 2018

    Mr. Linton was extremely substantive and informative on the way forward for Marijuana.

    He brought high hopes for a country failing miserable under this GOVT led by Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit

    Skerrit, please listen and learn but again you don’t have the aptitude.

  28. Karesaa
    June 6, 2018

    It always appear that Linton is more broad thinking than skerrit

  29. Skerrit I Voting
    June 6, 2018

    Good word PM. I love this man he always has the right thing to say. So Lennox want you to loose elections it looks like so he strategizing ahead of time. Next thing you legalize marijuana and all school children smoking weed for medicine eh. Then is Skerrit that do that. They think you are seating on your brain. Good response i applaud you Sir. Wait after the elections to discuss that …. right now our focus is on providing housing for all the Dominicans who lost their homes during Hurricane Maria. What workers really looking for nah???

    • Annon
      June 6, 2018

      I get the sarcasm. School children ..lol we don’t see drunk either, and neither in Colorado that made it legal. Nothing to be afraid of there.

      • Dominican/West Indian
        June 6, 2018

        Hope that’s just some more sacarsm.
        This isn’t a laughing matter

  30. jamie
    June 6, 2018

    Skerrit your the one that is lacking conviction,your behind time dude,Dominica will continue to fall back in time.once you remain in power but time will tell.

  31. June 6, 2018

    I thought Mr Linton the (novice) spoke proper English and presented a states-man-like and intellectual approach to the idea of legalization of marijuana ; what about his statement the Punjab PhD did or did not understand. On the other hand what has he offered that is so comprehensive; every thing this administration undertakes does not have to be a secret; or is his lack of interest in the matter a known fact that he and his cronies will not be the only ones to fully enjoy the benefits from this venture.

  32. Skerrit I Voting
    June 6, 2018

    Oh my God. I love that PM well said. They think you are seating on your brain. That is a very good response… the thing has other implications and Dominica is a christian society, it has to be carefully considered. Next thing all young children on drugs and they will say is for medicine, and then they will say is Skerrit again. PM deal with that after the elections tan.

    • viewsexpressed
      June 7, 2018

      Well, “Skerrit I voting” you are already in the nonsensical gang of a very corrupt Labour regime and failed Prime Minister, the worse Domininca has seen.. Guess you have read enough, hopefully to educated you and have you think objectively. This is what you think people are thinking of your failed Skerrit and you are so right what you wrote, and I quote you…”PM well said….. They think you are seating on your brain.” You see you are trying to raise your failed PM from seating on his brain, but this will take some time with people like you and other weird bobolist followers keeping hi in this political abyss he has created with your help.
      Skerrit and his corrupt Labour government has failed us and it is time he goes. OUTSIDE.

  33. Leah
    June 6, 2018

    I guess the Prime Minister equates conviction with Reggie’s approach…off the cuff and lacking any depth or thought. Smh!

  34. Franky
    June 6, 2018

    Man skerite go to hell.. garbage u talking… u all over roseau buYing drinks for people. .u think u will win like that? Dam …….. … call the election my boi .. u just ther talking marge.. bout gaston brown and container for airport all Kia non sense. .. so long u in power look at the country… garson comout there man!

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available