Ganja will be decriminalized in Jamaica this year

[malaise]

Heard a Minister of Government saying that on the news today
I say legalize the damn herb and pay off Jamaica's debts in one year.

[LuvNewcastle]

1. Congratulation, malaise.

It isn't legalization, but it's a great step forward. Wish my state had sane laws about weed. Wish my state had sane laws period.

[malaise]

7. We're wasting time - should follow Uruguay

and just legalize it and sort out this country's debts.
http://www.og.nr/rbt/22553-decriminalisation-of-ganja-on-for-this-year-paulwell.html#prettyPhoto[pp_gal]/1/
<snip>
Phillip Paulwell the portfolio Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining and Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives told members of the Cannabis Commercial and Medicinal Research Taskforce (CCMRT) that ganja will be decriminalized in Jamaica this year and emphasized that Jamaica cannot be allowed to be left behind on the issue. A press release from the CCMRT stated that Minister Paulwell who made the comments on the evening of February 20, 2014 in an address to the the group at the PCJ Auditorium in New Kingston, also reiterated the multiple economic, social and cultural benefits that Jamaica stands to gain if the laws are adjusted sooner rather than later. A copy of the press release can be viewed below.

http://www.og.nr/rbt/22553-decriminalisation-of-ganja-on-for-this-year-paulwell.html#prettyPhoto[pp_gal]/1/

[RainDog]

2. tourism dollars

as I've noted elsewhere, those states, nations, etc. that are "first in" on this changing position will reap the most benefits.

btw, did you get to listen to that Peter Tosh show? I went back to see if it was archived but couldn't find it. Maybe I looked too soon, or maybe the station doesn't archive programs.

anyway - if you listened - any moments you want to share?

[malaise]

4. Heard part of the program

Good representation of progressives (local and foreign) presenting Tosh's promotion of Ganja and giving him significant credit for developments across the globe re legalization and decriminalization.

Irie FM had a major event out in Westmoreland today for Tosh - his family, Irie folks and others organized it.
Peter is getting a lot of recognition these days.

Check this out from last November

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/move-over-bob-marley-peter-tosh-is-finally-getting-the-recognition-he-deserves-8914028.html

[RainDog]

8. thanks for the link!

a while back, the bbc did a series called "The People's Music" and included a segment on Caribbean immigrants who influenced culture, on to the anti-racism of SKA, etc. it's not still available, at least from this link http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01lpnh2 but maybe it's on youtube or something.

Of course, that program was about the region, Trinidad, etc., not just Jamaica.

One time I read some people who were upset with Amy Winehouse because her back up singers wore "rude boy" inspired suits. Others assumed this was racist because they were made to dress in styles popular when racism was so overt - and missed the wider cultural truth that it was the culture of the Caribbean immigrants, many Jamaican, creating their own space to be.

[Warren DeMontague]

3. libertarian doody-faces!

Know what else people do in Jamaica? Wear bathing suits!

[malaise]

5. Who's banning bathing suits?

[Warren DeMontague]

6. They're bad.

Bad!