By Concerned citizen
The term amnesty means to offer reprieve.
In many countries worldwide, developed and developing, the popular interpretation involves a “forgive and forget principle”. Citizens at odds with the law are allowed anonymity amid compliance. Gun amnesties are the most common. Under a gun amnesty, persons know that they can drop off their illegal firearms, no questions asked, without fear of current or future legal reprisal. Even in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, that approach has been used for a gun amnesty. That is why, upon reading about the existence of a bill proposing a marijuana amnesty, as a step towards legalisation, I was ecstatic … at first glance.
The proposed legislation for marijuana amnesty requires that persons submit their name, address and where they grow and store their cannabis to the powers that be. Then they must await approval before being guaranteed amnesty. Not only is this not anonymous but it begs the questions:
- Why is it necessary to provide this information to the authorities?
- How will that information be used whether amnesty is given or not?
- Why should a citizen risk further consequences by providing this information?
The objective of amnesty should be to get everyone on the right side of the law. Laws do not exist just to protect a few citizens and ensure their exclusive economic and social development. They exist, and must exist, as a benefit to all citizens regardless of race, creed, economic status and education level. These rights are enshrined in our constitution and law which does not uphold these inalienable rights is neither just nor constitutional. Any amnesty legislation that could potentially deprive citizens of their rights should not pass parliament.
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This Amnesty chuppidness is only a ploy to get an inventory of who, where, when and how much marijuana is being grown in the country. The information will be used to entice foreign marijuana marketers to make deals with the “bigshots in suits” and place the marijuana growers in jeopardy.
Register at your own PERIL. I am not a fan of marijuana. However, instead of playing tricks on the poor native farmers, there should be unconditional legalisation with proper licensing and monitoring for stability and economic control.
Vinci Vin