Minister responsible for Youth Affairs Minister Samantha Marshall has said that she makes no apology having pushed for the decriminalisation of cannabis during her tenure in government.
Marshall told a political meeting of the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party in Five Islands tonight (Tuesday) that her actions were taken in the best interest of the youth.
“I remember when I said publicly, that marijuana should be decriminalised to save our young people, oh they lash me. Oh they cuss me,” Marshall said.
She told the second stop since the launch of the ABLP campaign that government’s action in amending the Misuse of Drug Act to provide for the recreational use of cannabis has not resulted in the nuisance that many people predicted.
“They say oh, young people ah go smoke up and down. You see anybody ah smoke up and down ya tonight?” the minister questioned adding that the amendment has already been passed in parliament.
Earlier the minister said she set upon a path to create laws that will help young people and not turn them into criminals.
“And I went, first thing and said AG we going to parliament to pass legislation to ensure we do not criminalise our youth and make sure our young people receive the help they need,” Marshall told a vocal crowd of supporters.
“You don’t look at ways of creating criminals in society, you look at ways of empowering young people, giving them the help and support that they need and ensuring that you build your people to become leaders not for tomorrow but for today,” she added.
Marshall spoke at a meeting to endorse Londell Benjamin who wants to replace Baldwin Spencer as the member of parliament for St. John’s Rural West.
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Decriminalising weed is empowering young ppl!?
“I remember when I said publicly, that marijuana should be decriminalised to save our young people.” What???? How are they being saved?
It’s time for politicians to start making practical decisions and spare us the BS!
Saved from the stigma and repercussions of unnecessary criminal labels and convictions, and allow them to be able to more easily broaden their horizon through travel.
First order of business is to beef up mental health services.
I want the minister to visit rehab centers across the region, where she can see the nonlegal consequences for some. As a mother, lawyer and a woman she may mean well but the due dilligence is needed.
Where has she been ? Lol
Yes minister you saved me from a criminal record but has now given me a medical record!
This may be the only praise ABLP getting from Lovell lol…UPP government is too perfect and Godly to legalize the devil’s lettuce so I know he low key saying good job guys LOL
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