Sue CobbTHE EDITOR, Sir:
THE US Ambassador to Jamaica, Ms. Sue Cobb, recently issued a warning to the Jamaican government saying that if the proposal to decriminalise marijuana is implemented, Jamaica risks being economically sanctioned. The Imperial Ethiopian World Federation Inc., the vanguard of the Rastafarian community and grassroots people of Jamaica are questioning, how will the present government and the Prime Minister in particular, respond to this critical issue?
The behaviour of the superpower in relation to the 'ganja issue' is unqualified. Jamaica is not Puerto Rico, nor do we desire to establish the Puerto Rican model. We had to fight for Emancipation and the struggle for Independence, won in 1962, is a testament to the sovereignty of our island-nation. The pages of history are filled with cases where the rights of smaller states have been threatened by intimidation of a superpower. Are we going to have to fight America for Independence in this day.
Why is Jamaica's ability to enact legislation for the controlled use of ganja being subject to so much scrutiny, when Europe, Australia and Canada are glorified for their tolerance on the same issue? America's biggest ally, Britain, is not sharing US sentiment on the ganja issue. The British House of Commons has tabled before it since October 2001, a "Legislation of Cannabis Bill", which not only permits the licensed cultivation of ganja (cannabis), but will also allow import and export licences to be secured by qualified wholesalers.
The National Commission on Ganja is not even proposing these import and export regulations as the British, and both Jamaica and Britain are certified as countries who are co-operative in the war on drugs. Will this statement by the representative of the superpower cause Jamaica, and not Britain, to become a decertified nation? The penalty for decertified states is the revocation of necessary aid and assistance and ultimately the rejection of Jamaican agricultural produce on the global market.
Rastafarians use marijuana (ganja) as a divine sacrament. Whether the lawmakers want to accept it or not, more than 10 per cent of rural people cultivate ganja and send their children to school that they may be educated. Jamaica is still reliant on agriculture as the basis of our economy.
Further restrictions on these aspects of our livelihood only serves to undermine the economic development of Jamaica. And what next? Recession, bankruptcy and total dependency on the United States for our well being and prosperity. People who love justice and hate aggression will raise their voices and speak out against this violation of Jamaican sovereignty in the making. What does the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Opposition Leader have to say about this issue?
I am etc.,
RAOUL ALDER
Information Officer
Imperial Ethiopian
World Federation Inc.
29 Oxford Street
Kingston, Jamaica
P.O. Box 334
