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St Kitts Music Fest providing exclusive cannabis smoking zones

- Festival kicks off today, June 22, 2023
Cannabis smokers will be allowed an exclusive zone at this year’s 2023 St. Kitts Music Festival called a ‘420-Friendly’ festival, after St Kitts & Nevis Lawmakers passed the Smoking (Designated Areas) Bill, 2023, in their National Assembly on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Photo: Internet Source
Ahead of the passing of the bill, the local Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Marsha T. Henderson said at a press conference on June 19, 2023, that the festival will have different smoking designated areas. Photo: Internet Source
Ahead of the passing of the bill, the local Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Marsha T. Henderson said at a press conference on June 19, 2023, that the festival will have different smoking designated areas. Photo: Internet Source
BASSETERRE, St Kitts– Cannabis smokers will be allowed an exclusive zone at this year’s 2023 St Kitts Music Festival called a ‘420-Friendly’ festival, after St Kitts and Nevis lawmakers passed the Smoking (Designated Areas) Bill, 2023, in their National Assembly on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

Ahead of the passing of the bill, the local Minister for Tourism, the Honourable Marsha T. Henderson said at a press conference on June 19, 2023, that the festival will have different smoking designated areas. 

“We will have an Act, once it is passed, for designation of certain public areas as smoking areas for which the Warner Park Stadium on the mound will be what we call the smokers’ lounge,”

She added that the music festival, which kicks off today, June 22, 2023, now in its 25th year, is a part of the overall tourism product as the country prepares for the marketing of cannabis tourism, which has the potential to stimulate the local tourism economy and create a niche there.

The Minister stated; however, that the cannabis should be pre-rolled before the event. “More and more of the world’s top festivals are now cannabis friendly and the time is right for us to work towards normalising the use of cannabis so that it is no longer seen as taboo or unacceptable,” she added.

The festival, which kicks off today, features a number of soca artists scheduled to perform on night one of the three-day festival, including Kes The Band, Patrice Roberts, Preedy, and Nailah Blackman, with organisers promising an experience like no other.

Big names in music for St. Kitts! 

The Saint Kitts Music Festival will feature an impressive mix of local and regional artists, with other acts scheduled to perform such as Mr Bagnall, Nicha B, Akaiiusweet, Kollision Band, Small Axe Band, Brand Masters Band, Nu Vybes Band, Skinny Fabulous, Ricardo Drue and Dexta Daps. 

Day two tomorrow, Friday, June 23, 2023, will feature the 313 Family, Chronixx, Byron Messia, Govana, Skillibeng and Koffee while day 3, Saturday, June 24, 2023, will feature Romain Virgo, Erica Edwards, Valient, Air Supply, Burna Boy, Teejay and Gramps Morgan.

Meanwhile, in the [British] Virgin Islands, the territory’s Premier has been facing criticism for the planned staging of a June 30, 2023, ‘Non-Stop’ concert featuring Konshens to celebrate the country's non-stop flights from Miami to the VI. The concert is forecasted to attract more tourists to the VI.

Scores of tourists have also been traveling to St Kitts and Nevis to celebrate their 420-Friendly Music Festival and, of course, enjoy the smokers' lounge.

In the VI; however, its Cannabis Licensing Act, while passed in 2020 in the House of Assembly, has been refused assent by the Governor and UK Government.

38 Responses to “St Kitts Music Fest providing exclusive cannabis smoking zones”

  • The watchdog (22/06/2023, 17:23) Like (11) Dislike (8) Reply
    We need our freedom our independence
    • Naah.I will no longer attend.. (23/06/2023, 01:24) Like (11) Dislike (16) Reply
      The PM was a serious young Niabingi dread locks Rasta man.. I am not surprise.. I am disappointed. How about the thousand that can't stand the smoke..This smoking should be restricted to the privacy of your own home, Not music Festival, and, it shouldn't be to the annoyance and disturbance of another person..
  • ... (22/06/2023, 17:28) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    loud loud loud
  • That is awesome (22/06/2023, 17:28) Like (41) Dislike (3) Reply
    That is going to draw a HUGE volume of tourist.
    • big baller (22/06/2023, 21:24) Like (6) Dislike (14) Reply
      Yet they want to kill the nonstop concert here at home. Where there is no vision the place will not florish‼️
      • @ big baller (23/06/2023, 00:10) Like (10) Dislike (7) Reply
        People stop USING God’s Word and coveniently leaving out the other part of verses to try to suit your conceited agenda!!!

        Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he (Proverbs 29:18) emphasizes the extraordinary value of God's Word. Before the Bible was complete, God revealed His will through prophets. They communicated God's messages to the people. Solomon observes that the absence of divine revelation leads to moral and spiritual decline. Other lessons in the book of Proverbs point out the dangers which come with rejecting godly wisdom (Proverbs 3:1–2; 8:32–36).

        Without divine revelation people follow the dictates of their sinful nature. Instead of society experiencing calm, society wallows in chaos. This happened in the era of the Judges. First Samuel 3:1 tells us, "And the word of the Lᴏʀᴅ was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision." Judges 21:25 reports that in the times of the judges, "There was no king in Israel.
        Everyone did what was right in his own eyes."

        Invariably, when people do whatever they prefer, they do what is wrong according to the Lord's will.

        Today, as in all times throughout history, the culture needs to know what is acceptable to God; the Bible supplies the information.
        • @@ big baller (23/06/2023, 17:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          "stop USING God’s Word and coveniently leaving out the other part of verses to try to suit your conceited agenda!!! "

          That is so funny & hypocritical because you have obviously forgotten in the first chapter of the bible. God gifted us those same plants as food & medicine.

          You say he who keeps the law is happy yet if the law mandated you take slaves and whip then at sunrise for good measure you would be happy?

          You have to understand God made nature. Man makes a lot of dumb rules.

          Its your choice to love god first and what he put here for our sustainability health & sustenance, or your choice to come out fighting in defense of a god-less culture's law, made by a god-less president in the 1970s to the detriment of humanity.
      • Ganja Not the Issue.. (23/06/2023, 13:48) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        The high strong bad smoke with all kind of unhealthy stuff.. I am not against the use of Ganja. Make tea, put it in your drink, in your food.. The scent can be annoying and make life uncomfortable for others..
  • It was well planned (22/06/2023, 17:34) Like (27) Dislike (3) Reply
    You can go to the festival go to the zone area, smoke your weed and enjoy the festival. That was good planning. Kudos.
    • @ it was well planned (22/06/2023, 17:55) Like (6) Dislike (13) Reply
      it is clear countries who are independence are better off that we colonies
      • time will tell (23/06/2023, 10:29) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
        Yep!! That's exactly why people from these independent countries keep coming to BVI to look work and live and fight for rights they can't get/have in THEIR home country. Yes, their currency is valued twice as less as ours but they are better off because they can smoke weed? Real Jacka**
    • Stupes (23/06/2023, 06:17) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
      Look where your interests are?
  • Asking For Myself (22/06/2023, 17:56) Like (17) Dislike (6) Reply
    SO WHAT IS THE DAM HOLD UP ON WE WEED BILL MR JOHN RANKING?
    • @Asking For Myself (22/06/2023, 21:35) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      We are trying to export. They are not trying to export. Exporting is more complicated. We can do the same thing and decriminalize small quantities but they don’t want to. They are shortsighted cowards. They will do it after everyone else in the region has done so.
  • Hey BVI (22/06/2023, 18:13) Like (15) Dislike (5) Reply
    What is wrong with us here man? See how well organized and put together that is?
  • resident (22/06/2023, 18:32) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    Legal-ize it time to recognize it
  • 250 (22/06/2023, 18:52) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
    Sooo them doing this in tola or nah?
  • now (22/06/2023, 20:03) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    I'VE SEEN PEOPLE SMOKE HOME , AND
    EAT FOOD BRUSH THEIR TEETH , TAKE A SHOWER AND GO OUT LIMING / SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO ANYWHERE TO GET A
    HIGH / BUT THEN AGAIN THERE ARE THOSE WHO ( THINKS ) THAT SMELLING LIKE A CHIMNEY ALONG WITH THEIR PANTS ON THE TIP OF THEIR DIRTY BUTTS IS ( MACHO ) AS THEY USED TO SAY BACK IN THE DAYS WHEN WE DIDN'T HAVE COCAINE ~ GUNS ~ COLDBLOODED EXECUTION STYLE MURDERS COMPARE TO NOW / WE NEED TO FOCUS ON WHATS BEST FOR THE COUNTRY , INSTEAD OF THIS FOLLOW FASHION MENTALITY ????

    • @ now (23/06/2023, 00:13) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
      In the supermarket today in line behind a young girl well dressed yet smelled stink of weed shows people either don’t smell themselves or don’t care how bad they smell smoking that mess.
  • I am so loving it (22/06/2023, 20:10) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
    St. Kitts draws a lot of tourist. Tourist love to visit Caribbean Islands where they can kick back and have fun . That music fest that is going to draw in lots of tourist. One of the best part is locals and tourist can smoke their weed in peace in the designated area without the police breathing down their backs.
  • Horsepath iam (22/06/2023, 20:35) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    Sometimes the people have to take a stand for what is important to them. Long love the memory of people like Noel Lloyd & Decastro. Remember, also, JohnLewis talking of “good trouble”. If the BVI citizens take on this fight as conscientious objectors and do a smoke out, what is Rankin going to do, arrest everyone…won’t happen.
  • smh (22/06/2023, 20:54) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    THAT IS WHAT WE TALKING ABOUT. NICE
  • truly speaking (22/06/2023, 21:22) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    I do not go out for several reason here in the bvi.

    Well I take that back. I do go out back rarely why, bvi have ntn to offer as a night life entertainment.

    Bvi right now only offers and I would say this and if I am wrong hit the dislike I'll take it. Two things as a night life entertainment

    1 restaurants and i also include fast food places on this list. 2 strip clubs and I also include bars on this list.

    What else night wise does the bvi have to offer

    And if you do see a good night of entertainment like this up coming free concert.

    Why would I as civilize citizen go mix and mingle with 1. Recent graduates willing to get much more wild and crazy and be around possible killer who haven't been caught yet out feeling invincible and get caught up in the gunfire in some crazy non sense.


    Nah imma stay home or party from outside the gate ????????????????
  • bojan (22/06/2023, 23:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    well there we go you will hear about some of the best high grade they ever smoke i had a tree that was in my yard removed to do some work in that area i warned my neighbour come for the tree but be warned this XXX high grade he said i been smoking a long time and smoke all kind of weed i said yes but this one serious,he smoke a joint went to a furneral had some on him gave a bro a ball up the man ask him what the heck this one bad he told him it was a special tree he go.
  • Bvi crying (22/06/2023, 23:54) Like (0) Dislike (7) Reply
    Free the weed free the drew ranking and Collins must go fire
  • The Govt Stupid. (23/06/2023, 01:19) Like (13) Dislike (5) Reply
    They have no idea about whats going on with Ganja., Here is why I strongly disagree..1/ The scent can be very high, very bad, very unhealthy, very annoying and long reaching for those of us who don't smoke, can't tolerate smoke...2/ Their are some smokers who will add a little crack to their spliff, that makes it worse..This is not a good move, No consideration for non smokers and health conscious people who going out just to have a Good time..
    • WOW (23/06/2023, 08:51) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
      Ok RUM HEAD pick your own poison but don’t knock a man for his.
    • Bree (23/06/2023, 12:01) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
      @The Govt Stupid

      I attend a lecture given by a former Crack/Cocaine user and he said the same thing. He started with weed and then would add a little crack to increase the high. He could not smoke without it, he eventually became addicted and found himself stealing from every and anyone he could just to support his crack habit. So glad he was able to get off and remain clean to this day.

      I wish we would stop looking and what others are doing and really pay attention to how a move like this will affect us. This can have a positive or negative effect on society. We already have a high usage among our young people especially males. Please think this thru carefully before taking action. Not everything is meant for everyone. Think this over.
  • Native Tongue (23/06/2023, 06:07) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply
    Getting high...Any smoke going into your lungs cannot be good for your health. Keep it up folks. Chances are, choice is.
    • @Native Tongue (23/06/2023, 07:37) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why don’t you go and roll up and enjoy, it will take the edge off. Perhaps you don’t but you are ingesting toxic smoke 24/7 from the 3rd world garbage dump system on the Island.
      • Norris Turnbull (25/06/2023, 07:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @@Native Tongue... Your mind show places you go, things you don't know, someday you'll grow.
  • st Kitts (23/06/2023, 07:03) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    St Kitts is soaring high with murders and will be soaring high with smoke!!
  • Yes to UK (23/06/2023, 11:00) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    @@ it was well planned If the countries that are independent are so much better than us why are so many of their citizens are working in the BVI and fighting to get status hear?
  • Yes to UK (23/06/2023, 11:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    @time will tell I give you a million likes, you hit the nail on the head.
  • WOW (23/06/2023, 16:44) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Why are we so behind?!

    This is sickening now. Allow people to grow 4, 6, 12, 24 plants pick a number and do something for the people Governor please. Must we all suffer for The Ex premiers choices forever? he is one man and this is a territory...

    Going around looking at trash yes cool thank you for exposing yourself to the pollution & proposing a solution... You've seen the poison now free the cure... multitask

    We are procrastinating on the easiest fix to boost the economy, reduce crime and improve adult quality of life...

    Cannabis has so many uses it can become added value part of many businesses including luxury accommodations, massage therapy, cafes, fine dining, major tourist attraction. Why go on vacation where you can get locked up abroad?

    Allow people to grow their own and remove adulterated weed from the market. That is what everyone need to worry about, the mystery chemicals... not the natural grown plant.

    Its sad... todays young adults will end up some dumb sprayed chemical weed and spend all their money, verses coming of age in a legal environment where they can grow their own natural herb outdoors no fear no physically addictive substance added, organic seed to finish and save their money.
  • ... (23/06/2023, 17:30) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Go mix crack into your drink of choice and see if it doesn't turn you into a crack head, and make you feel as if you cant have a drink without CRACK.

    After that you too can give lectures about how dumb that was, and how alcohol was to blame. Yea right?

    Nah they just made stupid decisions. Giving speeches yet still spreading misinformation or cant admit it was their fault to mix crack in? Typical.

    Now that reminds me, dont alcoholics take coke on a night of drinking to be able to drink more without getting drunk?

    huh thats strange Iv never heard someone say lets ban alcohol because when you are drunk out of your mind you might say yes to crack, heroin, poison, or uninhibited mating.

    No joint can make you do something you would not normally do, unlike Alcohol and we handle that fine as a society.

    Crack is wack. Dont blame the herb, which is scientifically proven to be beneficial & medicinal.


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