Gov't against decriminalising marijuana

CASTRIES (CMC):National Security Minister Phillip La Corbiniere has hinted that the St Lucian government would not support plans to decriminalise marijuana for medicinal and religious activities.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, at their just-concluded inter-sessional summit in St Vincent and the Grenadines discussed the issue of the decrimi-nalising of small quantities of the drug, as well as exploring the economic benefits that might be derived from marijuana cultivation.

According to the communiqué issued following the talks, the regional leaders agreed to the "establishment of a Regional Commission to address the issues identified and any others deemed relevant in order to provide clear guidance with regard to decisions to be taken".

The commission is expected to submit a report to the regional leaders at their annual summit in Antigua in July.

But La Corbiniere, speaking on television, said he remains unconvinced about decrimi-nalising marijuana, disclosing that if he had a deciding vote, it would be an emphatic no.