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'We are going to fight’ until marijuana bill is assented - Premier Fahie

- multi-million industry on hold while bill sits on Governor's desk
Hon Andrew A. Fahie made the comments during a meeting held on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at the Fahie Hill community, in the presence of residents and members of the Government side of the House of Assembly (HoA). Photo: VINO/File
Premier Andrew A. Fahie explain that the bill sitting on the controversial Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert’s desk is not formatted for recreational use, rather for medicinal purposes only. Photo: VINO/File
Premier Andrew A. Fahie explain that the bill sitting on the controversial Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert’s desk is not formatted for recreational use, rather for medicinal purposes only. Photo: VINO/File
Premier Fahie reiterated that the bill must move forward for economic reasons, 'We are going to fight that case until it is accented to, but these months of delay is causing delay in diversifying your economy. I really and truly am not with that,' he said.
Premier Fahie reiterated that the bill must move forward for economic reasons, 'We are going to fight that case until it is accented to, but these months of delay is causing delay in diversifying your economy. I really and truly am not with that,' he said.
FAHIE HILL, Tortola, VI – Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) says his administration intends to fight the hold-up of the Cannabis Licensing Act until it is assented to.

The Premier made the comments during a meeting held on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at the Fahie Hill community, in the presence of residents and members of the Government side of the House of Assembly (HoA). 

Hundreds could have been employed - Premier Fahie 

Premier Fahie told residents that if the bill was passed months ago, more than one hundred persons could have already been hired as entrepreneurs, “At least 50 of them could have had other persons working with them,” he said.

Hon Fahie took time to explain that the bill sitting on the controversial outgoing Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert’s desk is not formatted for recreational use, rather for medicinal purposes only.

"Let me show you why persons have to make sure that you educate yourself and don't let people brainwash you... How many of you use hemp seed or hemp seasoning?” he asked the gathering.

“That's marijuana, that’s cannabis, there are a lot of by-products that can be made, even the oil, some sell the oils here," the Premier related.

Hon Fahie said the marijuana plant can be used in many other ways that can bring diversification to the VI economy.

Several products could come from plant - Premier 

"There is a lot of things that we can do that can make millions and billions of dollars for us in a new era. The hair products, skin products, even certain things in terms of exploring certain areas. So there is a lot of by-products you can get from this and we are aiming to get from it," Hon Fahie said.

Premier Fahie reiterated that the bill must move forward for economic reasons, "We are going to fight that case until it is accented to, but these months of delay is causing delay in diversifying your economy. I really and truly am not with that," he said. 

He told residents that he meant no offence to anyone, but some things need to be looked at for the bigger picture. "Financial services have its challenges, the tourism have their challenges but when we have diversification in other areas, it allows us still to have many employees," and influx financial sources he said.

16 Responses to “'We are going to fight’ until marijuana bill is assented - Premier Fahie”

  • We have a right to eat (16/01/2021, 13:41) Like (22) Dislike (21) Reply
    That governor needs to be tried for human right abuses against the people of the bvi over this bill
    • A bit to far (17/01/2021, 11:35) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
      ... but Jonah does need to get out of the BVI ASAP.
      I assume he is leaving on Wed in the hope that he can sneak out whilst the world, and BVI, press at concentrating on another very unpopular leader leaving office.
      Why is he still here?
  • Tan I am (16/01/2021, 13:47) Like (15) Dislike (13) Reply
    Diplomacy and interpersonal skills will go la ong way in having wishes filled but there is no app for that.
    It is a priceless human quality .
  • Greg (16/01/2021, 14:06) Like (13) Dislike (11) Reply
    Amazing! Years ago when I mentioned to a few politicians here about thinking of marijuana as an extra income for the BVI, they told me "Over Their Dead Body"! They now remember what they swore they would never do because we are a Christian society, really? And here we are! Okay, I am happy they finally woke up, but I told them this 10 years ago. Now acting like it was them who thought it up. When I see them, I just shake my head, knowing we could have been so much further ahead. No visions.
  • Unbelievable (16/01/2021, 14:12) Like (20) Dislike (23) Reply
    The premier needs to pick his fights better. We don't have in the territory enough space/area to plant enough to export. Just be honest and legalize so the tourists can buy and consume legally while here. Of course all residents will be able to plant/buy/consume too.
  • hemp (16/01/2021, 14:18) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    I want to know how it is ... way and the pharmacy can sell hemp products here. If I order a hemp product online before the bill is passed will I end up on the news? Hmmm
  • Stay Focused (16/01/2021, 15:44) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    This long awaited bill gives you additional freedom and choice of natural medicine. whether they make millions or make billions is beside the point because what is most valuable is the people who need this for therapeutic purposes will be free from persecution over a healing plant that was originally made illegal based on lies and racism.

    I applaud them for bringing this topic to the fore front and fighting to materialize it. People aren’t perfect but atleast they are trying to do something instead of watching while everyone else does it.

  • GG (16/01/2021, 19:34) Like (16) Dislike (29) Reply
    Wasting ayo time with this bill , fight for water up paraquita bay for the poor farmers what is struggling for god sake !!!!!
  • So okay (16/01/2021, 20:01) Like (8) Dislike (18) Reply
    Do what you gotta do but, IT IS HAS TO BE A UNANIMOUS VOTE BY THE VOTING PUBLIC. WHY IS THERE SUCH A PRESSING NEED TO GROW MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN THE BVI? HONESTLY, THE BVI IS NOT READY FOR SUCH A MARKET JUST YET.
  • @ Greg (16/01/2021, 20:10) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    You talking about ten years ago but check this out. In 1978 I was arrested and taken before the courts for a bottle of coconut oil containing marijuana twigs and rosemary that I used to rub in my locks. The magistrate lost her job because she was supposed to send me to prison instead of imposing a sixteen hundred dollar fine. BVI is so corrupt and twisted now the government arguing for the same hair oil to prop up their failing economy. Look how we were labeled targeted and kept down for life because of a bunch of simpleton so called leaders and these fools still getting upset and victimizing when you are forced to cry out for JUSTICE.
  • lodger (17/01/2021, 07:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    So with all these billions (not) we will be able to drop tourism and cruise ships?
  • Really? (17/01/2021, 09:09) Like (10) Dislike (9) Reply
    This is what takes up the goverment's time? Not the sewage problem or the pandemic or the overstaffed goverment still getting full salary?
  • Fi g ht? (17/01/2021, 13:51) Like (3) Dislike (15) Reply
    Fight for water...Fight for water..Fight for water ....Fight for water !!!
  • assent or accent? (17/01/2021, 18:30) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    which one?
  • Madea (18/01/2021, 20:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Seriously if this Bill becomes law then there will legalised drugs and there will be more drug addicts. Why fight for legalised drug taking? There are more serious issues like repairs from the hurricane in 2017, getting the schools equipped for the children so they can get good jobs, growing food rather than drugs. It has to be the worse idea ever ever in the history of this Virgin Islands.
  • Madea (18/01/2021, 20:14) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I forgot about the sewerage - how many years have we been waiting for a decent waste system.


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