Latest update November 8th, 2024 1:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

We urgently urge the decriminalization of marijuana

Aug 16, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
We, the members of the Guyana American Patriotic Forum (GAPF), are seeking the immediate intervention of the Government of Guyana to halt the criminalization of Guyanese youths who are routinely incarcerated for smoking small amounts of marijuana. GAPF adds its voice to the many civil society stakeholders inside and outside of Guyana calling for the decriminalization of the use and or possession of a minimal quantity of marijuana.
We remain adamantly opposed to the existing practice of incarceration for the following reasons:
First, the imposition of a term of imprisonment for the possession and use of small quantities of marijuana is based on an outmoded concept of jurisprudence, which places emphasis on retribution rather rehabilitation, and which has led to an exponential increase in the prison population in the United States of America and Europe.
Second, most progressive nations in world today – in North America, South America, Central America, Caribbean, Africa and Asia have decriminalized the possession and use of small amounts of marijuana used for personal consumption.
Third, there is no empirical evidence establishing a causal relationship between the consumption of marijuana and an increase in criminal activity.
Fourth, there are several traditions, such as the Rastafarian religion and several indigenous religions in South America and Asia, which regard the consumption that marijuana as a sacred sacrament. And, there is scientific evidence that the Cannabis plant is a prophylactic in the treatment of certain diseases, such as glaucoma and hypertension.
Fifth, the imposition of prison terms on youths leads to their separation from society for a substantial period of time, exposes them to homosexual attacks from adult prisoners in penal institutions, interrupts their normal educational progression, leads to disintegration of families and creates a prison record, which will follow them for the rest of their lives, and prevent them from obtaining gainful employment.
Sixth, the incarceration of young people has led to a dramatic increase in the prison population, a congestion of the criminal calendars, an explosive mixture of sentenced prisoners and defendants awaiting trial, which has challenged the capacity of the government to provide adequate prison space for defendants facing trial and has led to prison outbreaks in Georgetown and Lusignan.
Seventh, the increased incarceration of young people is clearly contrary to the principles and policies of the coalition government which has emphasized increased education for young people, increased employment of young people in the productive sectors of the economy, and the utilization of young people in the exploitation of Guyana’s abundant natural resources.
For these reasons, GAPF calls upon the Government of Guyana to implement a comprehensive review of the criminal laws, and to eliminate the imposition of prison sentences for the possession and use of small quantities of marijuana.
If the Government deems it necessary to impose penal sanctions for these activities, they should explore the use of alternatives to incarceration, such as, psychiatric evaluations, drug counseling, probation, community service and imposition of fines.
Colin A. Moore

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 6th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

CWI Cricket West Indies suspends Alzarri Joseph for two matches

CWI Cricket West Indies suspends Alzarri Joseph for two matches

Nov 08, 2024

Bridgetown, Barbados – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has imposed a two-match suspension on fast bowler Alzarri Joseph following an on-field incident during the 3rd CG United ODI at the Kensington...
Read More
ExxonMobil Futsal Championship heats up in Linden

ExxonMobil Futsal Championship heats up in Linden

Nov 08, 2024

Harpy Eagles left frustrated by weather once again in Super50 Cup no-result against Scorpions

Harpy Eagles left frustrated by weather once...

Nov 08, 2024

Lennox Blackmore National Intermediate C/ship shifted to Six Head Gym

Lennox Blackmore National Intermediate C/ship...

Nov 08, 2024

All-round Jaguars clinch 3-wicket win over Pitbulls 

All-round Jaguars clinch 3-wicket win over...

Nov 08, 2024

GSLT20 ticket sales begin tomorrow at the local box office

GSLT20 ticket sales begin tomorrow at the local...

Nov 08, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]