THE CHAIRMAN of the National Commission on Ganja, Professor Barry Chevannes, has defended the inclusion of Dr. Eileen Goldson, deputy chairperson of the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA), on the seven-member commission which began public hearings on Monday into the possible decriminalisation of ganja.
The National Alliance for the Legalisation of Ganja which is calling for a public boycott of the commission has objected to the inclusion of Dr. Goldson. The group also objected to the terms of reference given the commission by the Prime Minister.
However, far too much has been made of the fact that Dr. Goldson is the deputy chairperson of the NCDA, says Dr. Chevannes.
"Indeed if that were the case we would have no need to consult the National Council on Drug Abuse which we intend to do," he told reporters at a press briefing in Kingston.
In her defence, Dr. Goldson said her job was to work alongside the other commissioners. "I certainly come with no strong, fixed views on either side."
As it relates to her work at the NCDA she said the Council's role was to educate the public to the potential dangers of substance abuse -- legal or illegal.
In terms of the boycott by the Paul Chang-led national Alliance, Dr. Chevannes said he would encourage the lobby group to reconsider its position and to appear before the Commission.
The Commission which has nine months to complete its work, will conduct in-camera sessions. Two persons were scheduled to appear before it on Monday.
Dr. Chevannes said the aim of the Commission was to arrive at a consensus having taken into consideration the social and cultural norms of the country and what obtains internationally.
The Commission will meet three days per week at Balmoral House on Balmoral Road until the middle of December after which public hearings take place in Montego Bay, followed by other parish capitals. At least one public session is planned, so too a number of sittings in inner-city communities.
