The Antigua & Barbuda Labour Party administration will be setting up a commission to oversee the process of decriminalising the possession of small quantities of marijuana.
The announcement came from spokesperson Lionel “Max “Hurst, during a press briefing following a Cabinet meeting.
Social of Transformation Minister Samantha Marshall will chair the five-member body, which is to be comprised of members of both the ruling and opposition parties.
Two weeks ago, during the Commonwealth Youth Minister’s Meeting held in Antigua, Marshall made a call for the Commonwealth to discuss decriminalising the possession of small amounts of the substance. She said she also plans to write formally to the body to have the topic tabled for discussion at future Commonwealth meetings.
Hurst, who appeared on Friday’s edition of OBSERVER AM, said the government is aiming to give youth who may have gotten caught up in drug related activity a second chance at a productive life.
Drug charges, he explained, can interfere with young people, especially men, getting college scholarships or visas
“What we want to ensure is that a small mistake in your early life does not continue to plague the adult who is responsible and would not be involved in anything drug related,” he said.
He furthered assured residents that the government does not consider the decriminalisation as a step towards legalising marijuana or its trade and importation. He said, instead, that the move will be similar to the one recently enacted in Jamaica.
Earlier this year, Jamaica became the first Caricom country to decriminalise small quantities of marijuana.
Marshall has applauded the country for “breaking sensible ground” on the issue of marijuana use in the region.
Hurst said the decision will ultimately go to Parliament for the government’s approval.