Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis – Dr Terrance Drew, has poured his heart out in respect while passing the Rastafari Rights Recognition Bill 2023 during National Assembly Sitting held on June 20, 2023. He extended his heartfelt apologies with teary eyes to the Rastafari Community for delaying serving their rights with integrity and dignity.
While delivering his remarks and emotional message, Prime Minister stated that the day was marked as a historical event in the history of St Kitts and Nevis.
He added that the eyes are simultaneously filled with joy and emotions for the entire nation and Rastafari Community after the historic Bill gets passed.
To support and promote equality among the people and different communities of the Twin Island Federation, the government of St Kitts and Nevis stands firm and always in favour, said the Prime Minister.
Furthermore, in this context, PM Drew also mentioned that this is just the beginning of this progressive pathway, and the government thrives on working towards achieving the state of a sustainable island state.
In addition, it was also mentioned that the government believes in taking all the necessary steps and measures in order to provide equal rights and lifestyle to the Kittians and Nevisians and will continue to support the idea of equality.
In his speech, PM Drew highlighted that the administration of St Kitts and Nevis is keeping an open approach to rectifying past mistakes and wrongdoings and working to correct them while moving forward. Meanwhile, he addressed the delay in serving the rights of the Rastafarian Community and expressed his apologies while ensuring to be in service for them.
PM Terrance Drew also expressed his positive intent while discussing the rights and government’s support to serve the community. The reports have stated that the Rastafari Rights Recognition Bill 2023 includes several amendments to the rights provided to the Rastafari people.
Marijuana smoking for personal and religious purposes has been granted to the Rastafarian community, reports added.
They are now provided with the legal rights to perform many activities such as dry, trim, harvest, and cultivate, along with permitting them to smoke cannabis as a sacrament for their betterment at their places of assembly.
They can also have access to the license from the Medicinal Cannabis Authority in the near future with no cost facility. The Rastafarians will also enjoy concessions and taxes to help them excel in businesses and farms.
