Andre de Caires has announced his resignation as chairman of the Cannabis Movement of Saint Lucia with immediate effect. Yesterday, Commerce Minister Bradley Felix disclosed that the Cabinet of ministers had given authorization for the drafting of legislative and regulatory framework for cannabis. In a statement issued to the press on Wednesday morning, de Caires noted that the advocacy organisation was formed about a decade ago, and his job is now done.
De Caires’ full statement is below:
I would like to take this opportunity to announce that as of today, July 29th 2020, I’m resigning my post as chair of the Cannabis Movement. The organisation was formed almost a decade ago as an advocacy group, pushing for cannabis law reform.
On Monday July 27th, 2020, the Cabinet decided to legalize and as a result my job here is now over. I must now focus on assisting with policy development, getting the Cooperative off the ground and creating a viable cannabis industry for the people of Saint Lucia.
I want to thank all the people that have supported the Cannabis Movement over the years and I encourage them to continue to support the Movement, although the role of the Movement may change slightly.
On leaving my post, I have some parting recommendations for the government. In order for the government to achieve maximum political mileage from this decision, I encourage them to decriminalize on Emancipation Day, August 1st. The people are excited and a move like this would show that this government is truly serious and not playing politics with the people.
It makes absolutely no sense to continue arresting people during the interim, well knowing that we’ll be legalized within three or four months. And a directive to continue the status quo will only cause ridicule and anger and lose more votes. Please government, do the right thing!
Again I thank everybody for all the support and let’s see on the other side of COVID, if we could come out doing better than we went in. Thank you.
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