Dear Editor,
Whilst I’m not a user/dealer of the illicit drug, marijuana, I must say I’m quite displeased at the slothful/reluctance the government has been showing towards addressing the issue of its legalization. In many other countries, marijuana is legalized and proving to be a very profitable business. In Guyana, many organizations have been constantly calling on the past and present administrations to address this matter. Instead, we’re seeing money and lawmen’s time being consumed as they track down the farmers and sellers/users whilst the deadly cocaine and other dangerous drugs are being allowed to be shipped in/out of Guyana and trade locally. Regularly, discoveries of marijuana farms which the authorities would destroy, users and sellers, being arrested and charged, and on a rare occasion, we would hear of cocaine discovery out of Guyana. Rarely cocaine busts have been occurring in Guyana. Cocaine contributes to many problems and in my opinion, more effort, money, and time is being invested behind marijuana in Guyana.
Editor, it very hurtful to see the recent remanding of two young women to prison for just over 1 pound of marijuana that was discovered near their presence. What is sickening is that one of the young women is six months pregnant, and they are both first-time offenders. In comparison, our roadways seems to be a safe haven for accidents, some deadly, and only recently an unlicensed driver in an uninsured car, crashed, killing a young woman. Amazingly, the driver was granted bail, even though a life was lost, but two young women, one six months pregnant was remanded for marijuana that wasn’t on them, which is legalized in many countries around the world. Is the judicial system fair in Guyana? Finally Editor, whilst the Government is traversing the country giving out monies and other stuff whilst gloating at the previous administration, it would be wonderful if they could take the time and review our laws. There should be a situation where leniency should come into play to help those who are helpless. Not many could afford good lawyers.
Sincerely,
Sahadeo Bates