Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, expressed his profound respect for Rastafarians while passing the Rastafari Rights Recognition Bill on June 20, 2023. With tears in his eyes, he sincerely apologized to the Rastafari Community for delaying the implementation of upholding their rights.
PM Drew said that the day would be recognized as an important day in the history of St Kitts and Nevis while giving his thoughts and emotional message. He said, “After the historic Bill passes, the eyes are simultaneously filled with joy and emotions for the entire nation and Rastafari Community.”
Minister Drew emphasizes that to promote equality among the people and different communities, the government of St Kitts and Nevis will always stand in favour and be available 24/7 in their services.
He further remarked that the government of St Kitts and Nevis will continue to support the principle of equality and believes in taking all necessary actions and measures to provide Kittians similar rights and healthy lifestyles to all citizens.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Drew emphasized that the government of St Kitts and Nevis is open-mindedly correcting historical errors and misconducts.
They are attempting to do so with the objective of moving forward. Minister Drew expressed his regret for the delay in upholding the rights of the Rastafarian Community and promised to always stand for them when they needed it.
While talking about the government’s support for community service and its associated rights, PM Terrance Drew also highlighted that the Rastafari Rights Recognition Bill 2023 makes a number of changes to the rights granted to the Rastafari community.
According to reports, the Rastafarian group has been permitted to smoke marijuana for personal and religious reasons. They can now plant, harvest, dry, trim, and smoke cannabis as a ceremony in their gathering places for their benefit. They also have the legal right to conduct other tasks according to their will.