Jamaica
Pubdate: Wed, 03 Oct 2001
Source: Jamaica Observer (Jamaica)
Copyright: 2001 The Jamaica Observer Ltd,
Contact:  http://www.jamaicaobserver.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1127
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

PNP NEC BACKS PATTERSON'S CALL FOR GANJA DEBATE

THE National Executive Council (NEC) of the ruling People's National Party 
(PNP) has endorsed the proposal by party president, Prime Master P J 
Patterson for a national debate on whether or not to decriminalise the use 
of ganja.

At a meeting of the NEC in Ocho Rios Sunday, Patterson said there were 
several implications inherent in the recent report of the National Ganja 
Commission which was set up to study the issue. These implications, he 
said, required full discussion and careful evaluation.

He noted that the commission had recommended decriminalisation for personal 
use in private places, religious sacraments and defined medicinal purposes, 
but that issues of lawful access would need to be further explored.

The prime minister added that the commission's report had itself identified 
the need for diplomatic efforts to be pursued in order to avoid 
international repercussions.

The NEC, according to a statement from the PNP, has endorsed the 
commencement of the parliamentary process in which the matter will be put 
as a resolution before the House of Representatives and the Senate for full 
debate.

The statement said Patterson stressed that the parliamentary debate would 
be free, without the party whip being applied or any specific positions 
taken beforehand.

The matter is also to debated within the party's organs including the youth 
organisation, women's movement, regional executives and constituency 
organisations.

A paper outlining the international implications should ganja be 
decriminalised for personal uses is to be prepared by the party's legal 
adviser, A J Nicholson, the attorney general.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jackl