Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: Terrance Drew, prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis, recently presented the Smoking (Designated Areas) Bill, 2023, to the general assembly for a second reading and implementation of the law. He noted that the right to privacy must be honoured while advocating for the Smoking (Designated Areas) Bill, 2023, to be passed.
Minister Drew concluded that the country is made up of a varied population with a range of lifestyles, backgrounds, and religious beliefs. As St Kitts and Nevis develop as a democracy, they want to be a country of inclusiveness rather than exclusion.
Terrance Drew vowed that he wants to live in a country that respects individual choices and works to give everyone an equal chance. The same is true with tobacco, marijuana, and smoking. He mentioned that it’s not good to judge anyone by their actions.
However, he insisted they needed to devise a plan to let both areas coexist without competing. PM Drew then revealed their intention to designate specific spaces for smoking. People will be able to indulge without offending anyone in the allocated area.
Terrance Drew, the prime minister, then made a brief allusion to the judge’s decision regarding the usage, cultivation, and other aspects of cannabis.
He explained that in order to follow the law, we must make preparations. The argument for and against smoking in authorised locations supports upholding the rules. It enables the country to protect the human rights of every person and give them equal standing.
Minister Drew also mentioned that the Rastafari Community will gain from the passage of this legislation. He emphasised to the locals that using cannabis is a crucial part of the Rastafari community’s sacred ritual. He acknowledged that the populace do not have to agree or accept it.
But the constitution puts everyone in the community on an equal footing, no matter whether they believe in a god, a god with a different name, or anything else. PM Drew claimed that this regulation will allow people to have a designated smoking area and avoid being among others who did not want to smoke.
He said, ”You don’t want to deny people the chance to express themselves”. He continued by saying that everyone could coexist in this setting. In the end he commented that, as society advances, we must practise advanced democracy and become more accepting and open.
Minister Drew highlighted the discrimination that members of the Rastafari community experience. He condemned the community’s marginalisation and discrimination on the grounds of religion.
He reported his meeting with a member of the Rastafari Community. She remarked that respect and proper conduct are necessary in her community.