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Prime Minister Davis: Cannabis Reform Compendium 2024 ‘a long time coming’

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NASSAU, The Bahamas – Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said on July 15, 2024, that he spoke in support of the compendium of Bills to legalise the use of cannabis for medical and religious purposes, to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of cannabis, and to “regulate the cultivation, sale and use of cannabis and related products within our borders and to promote the health and safety of our people.”

“This has been a long time coming,” Prime Minister Davis said, during his Contribution to the Cannabis Reform Compendium 2024 Debate in the House of Assembly.

“For years, Bahamians have called for an administration to have the courage to step up and take this issue on in a decisive and responsible manner,” he added.  “While many other countries, including nations within our region like Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Antigua & Barbuda and Barbados, have taken steps toward decriminalisation and legalisation for medical use, Bahamians were left wondering when it would be our turn to modernise our local approach to cannabis.”

Prime Minister Davis noted that the national dialogue had been ongoing for the better part of a decade.

“Many people thought change was imminent when the Marijuana Commission began its work in October 2018, under the previous administration,” he said.  “These efforts culminated in a preliminary report delivered in January 2020 and a final report delivered in August 2021.”

He added:  “The Commission cited a wide range of in-person discussions and public opinion research, noting that there appeared to be widespread public support for the legalisation of cannabis for medical purposes.  There was also healthy support for decriminalisation and an appetite for a strong regulatory and enforcement framework to ensure high standards for this new industry.”

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that the recommendations of the Commission called for legalisation for medical use, decriminalisation for small amounts, legalisation for use as a religious sacrament for members of the Rastafarian community, as well as strict regulations to ensure the quality and safety of the local cannabis product.

“In the PLP’s Blueprint for Change, we committed to developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for growing, harvesting, and exporting cannabis to create opportunities for Bahamians,” he said.

“The approach we developed to legislating and regulating Cannabis was informed by widespread research and consultation,” Prime Minister Davis added.  “It was partially based on the CARICOM Regional Commission on Marijuana’s research and findings, as well as the approaches of other jurisdictions like Jamaica, Barbados, and Canada, where Cannabis has been legalised and regulated.”

He said that his Government’s goal was to ensure that it developed the most fair, balanced, and effective legislative and regulatory mechanisms, which would allow The Bahamas to reap economic and health benefits while promoting law and order and keeping its people safe through the introduction of stringent standards.

Prime Minister Davis added:  “Once we felt that we had an adequate draft, we released the draft bills publicly, and we held a number of stakeholder consultation sessions, led by the Attorney General’s Office, in which we sat down with major stakeholder groups like healthcare providers, leaders of our church community, advocates for legalisation, leaders of the Rastafarian community – some of whom I see here today, as well as those who had concerns about the impact of legalisation and decriminalisation on the proliferation of usage. These varied opinions were taken into account and adjustments were made to achieve the most practical and effective approach that would work best for the Bahamian people.”

He pointed out that his Government also paid close attention to ongoing research on the issue – the most recent of which, he noted, was a survey conducted nationally by Public Domain in 2023, which indicated that 61% of the population supported the legalisation of cannabis for medical usage.

“It was clear that the times had changed, and it was time for our laws to change as well,” Prime Minister Davis stated.

He continued:  “We’ve been hard at work since 2021. We knew this was not a process we could rush. There was a recognised need for carefulness and due diligence, but there was also a need to ensure that this new legislative and regulatory regime could be introduced and implemented within this term.  We could not simply kick the can down the road for our next term the way other administrations did.  No, we could not delay these changes – not when so many people had waited for years for real action to be taken.

“Today, the wait is over.”

Prime Minister Davis noted that his Government was taking action on behalf of all of the people who simply wanted the ability to legally consume medical cannabis to help them with their medical conditions.

“There are people with children suffering from epilepsy who have been praying for this moment,” he said.  “There are people with glaucoma who want the opportunity to potentially alleviate their condition with a cost-effective and natural treatment.”

Prime Minister Davis added that there were people living with auto-immune conditions, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and other ailments who were “waiting not-so-patiently for this day.”

“We are taking action for the many men and women living with criminal records for carrying small amounts of cannabis, and the many others who will be spared criminal records as a result of decriminalization,” he said.

Prime Minister Davis stated that, as a society, his Government realised that the old approach taken against Cannabis in the War on Drugs in the 1980s and 90s did not necessarily reflect the current reality.

“Too many livelihoods have been lost because of a joint,” he said.  “Too many lives have been handicapped and potentials lost.”

He added that when he was saying that, it was not his intent to excuse those who choose to break the law.

“After all, the law is the law; it must be respected and upheld,” Prime Minister Davis stated.  “But we also recognise that the law is not static, it is dynamic. And the interpretation of the law and how it serves the greater good of society can change over time.  I am confident that many lives will be changed for the better as a result of the criminal records that will be expunged.”

“Through these reforms, we are upholding the rule of law, making it clear that if you are seeking to supply others with cannabis illegally or engage in other unlicenced and illegal activities, you will be held accountable,” he added.  “Everyone is welcome to participate within the legal and regulatory framework and only within that framework.

“Of course, as a part of this reform process, we are also taking action to recognise the rights and freedoms of Rastafarians to use Cannabis as a sacrament because it should not be against the law for our brothers and sisters of the Rastafarian faith to practice their religion.”

PHOTO CAPTION

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis speaks, on July 15, 2024, during his Contribution to the Cannabis Reform Compendium 2024 Debate in the House of Assembly.    (BIS Photos/Ulric Woodside)

 

Release: BIS

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Jonquel Jones Parades announced for November 16 and 17, Bahamian Pride high for the WNBA Champion

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Rayan Ishan

Staff Writer

 

On Wednesday October 20, 2024 Jonquel “JJ” Jones, a Bahamian-born forward for the New York Liberty, led her team to their first WNBA championship title, marking a significant achievement in her career and a historic moment in New York’s basketball history.

The Liberty secured a 67-62 victory (in overtime) against the Minnesota Lynx, delivering the city its first professional basketball championship since 1973, the Liberty announced during the recent championship parade through Manhattan and Brooklyn.

JJ, who received the Finals MVP award, entered the WNBA in 2016 as the sixth overall draft pick.

At home in The Bahamas, it was announced by Mario Bowleg, the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture that the Ministry will host a championship motorcade for Jonquel Jones on Grand Bahama and New Providence on November 16 and 18 respectively.

“And it’s expected she’ll be bringing a few friends over for the occasion.”

Before joining the Liberty, she quickly rose to prominence, earning the 2017 WNBA Most Improved Player award after setting a then-record for single-season rebounds.

In 2019, JJ helped lead the Connecticut Sun to the WNBA Finals, and her impressive all-around performance earned her the league MVP title in 2021. She continued to showcase her defensive strength, being named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.

These achievements solidified her reputation as a dominant force before transitioning to Liberty. Her journey from the Bahamas to the WNBA is celebrated by both Bahamians and Liberty fans alike, according to a statement from the New York Liberty organization. The team noted that her skill and resilience throughout the season underscored her role as a vital player in the Liberty’s lineup.

Thousands of fans gathered along the parade route to celebrate the Liberty’s victory.

Fans in New York lined the Canyon of Heroes on Broadway to witness the historic occasion, with many describing it as a day to remember.

“We’re here to support and cheer on our champions,” said one fan. Families and young fans, inspired by JJ and the Liberty, filled the streets during the celebration, as reported by ‘GQ Magazine’.

For the Bahamas, JJ’s success is seen as a source of national pride, with many celebrating her accomplishments as an example of Bahamian excellence on an international stage. Her victory reflects the growing influence of Caribbean athletes in professional sports worldwide, a spokesperson for the Bahamian Ministry of Sports noted.

Jonquel Jones and her teammates expressed gratitude for the community’s support throughout the season and during the victory parade.

“This win isn’t just for us, it’s for everyone who believed in the Liberty,” said JJ, summing up her appreciation for fans, the Liberty organization, and her home country of The Bahamas.

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NIB Needs Innovative Sustainable Strategies That Go Beyond Traditional Methods

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By LLONELLA GILBERT

Bahamas Information Services

NASSAU, Bahamas – Minister of Immigration and National Insurance the Hon. Alfred Sears said the decision by the National Insurance Board (NIB) to raise the National Insurance Contribution was not easy or popular, but it was the Board’s statutory duty to prioritise its sustainability.

“At the same time, we recognize that increasing the contribution rate alone is not sufficient.  The sustainability depends on the innovative sustainable strategies that go beyond the traditional measures.  Therefore, our theme, ‘Promoting Financial Sustainability of Caribbean Social Security Systems’ is so timely,” the Immigration and National Insurance Minister said at the Opening of Ceremony of the 32nd Meeting of the Heads of CARICOM Social Security Organizations at Baha Mar Resort on Monday, October 28, 2024.

He noted that this was only the second time since its establishment, the Board had to raise the National Insurance contribution rate.

The Minister challenged the delegates attending the meeting to confront the very real factors shaping the region’s shared future.

He said, “Our regions are facing significant demographic shifts with ageing populations and declining birth rates, resulting in fewer people entering the workforce.  Additionally, migration and immigration trends create both opportunities and challenges calling for policies that encourage legal participation in the national insurance schemes.”

The Minister noted that these dynamics are reshaping the very foundation of the region’s social security frameworks, creating new pressures on the systems.

He said, “For The Bahamas, a unique geographic challenge also emerges.  Our nation, an archipelago, spread over thousands of square miles of ocean space, with citizens dispersed across islands and cays, separated by vast stretches of ocean.”

The Minister noted that this geographic spread amplifies the administrative and regulatory challenges of making decisions as well as redefines the skills needed by the NIB.

“This gathering offers an invaluable opportunity to share insights and ideas and to work together towards practical and innovative solutions. I encourage all of you to bring your expertise and unique perspectives and we explore strategies that will safeguard our social security systems.”

Secretary-General, Inter-American Conference of Social Security, Alvaro Velarca Hernandez explained that the discussion of the sustainability of the social security systems is crucial for all countries in the region.

“We are called to build a future in which our social security institutions can continue to provide protection and support to every person today and for generations to come.”

The Secretary-General said financial sustainability is probably the biggest challenge the region faces in addition to population ageing, finding new forms of work and the growing need for service coverage and quality.

He said this is why collaboration amongst countries and agencies in the region is essential.  “This space allows us the opportunity to work together, exchange experiences to learn from our strengths and jointly address our challenges.”

The Secretary-General said the Inter-American Conference of Social Security is committed to supporting its members in critical areas including business management innovations and governance practices.  (BIS Photo/Ulric Woodside)

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Bahamas Maritime Authority Pays Courtesy Call on Governor General

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The Bahamas, November 5, 2024 – The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) Board, led by Chairman Jacqueline M. Simmons, recently paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency the Governor General, Dame Cynthia Pratt. During the visit, the Board presented a copy of the BMA’s commemorative album, Celebrating the Rich Maritime Heritage of The Bahamas, designed as a symbol of The Bahamas’ shared maritime heritage and enduring spirit.

Inspired by a desire to capture not only the achievements of the Bahamas Maritime Authority but also the broader history of the Bahamian maritime industry, the album pays tribute to the legacy of this vital sector. It highlights the pivotal role the maritime industry has played in The Bahamas’ development and celebrates a vibrant maritime tradition that has shaped the nation’s identity on the global stage.

The meeting included a productive discussion on the maritime sector’s contributions to The Bahamas and the growing career opportunities available to young Bahamians in the industry.

Pictured L-R are V. Moreno Hamilton, BMA Director & Album Committee Chairman; Jacqueline M. Simmons, BMA Chairman; Governor General, Dame Cynthia Pratt; Senator Ja’Ann Major, BMA Director; and Leah Davis, BMA Marketing Manager. Photo by Unseen Media

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