Every AG should want to reintegrate into our society persons with criminal records as much as possible. People make mistakes, including breaking laws and our youth are no exception. The consequences can be severe including a lifelong history that follows those convicted.
Possession of Marijuana in any amount in Anguilla can result in fines, imprisonment and a criminal conviction that can adversely affect job prospects and travel abroad. This can result in lifelong stigmatization and downward social spiral. Even if such a person were to change his or her lifestyle and has consistently abandoned old habits or a single incident, the damage is done and on record.
Many young persons were ecstatic with recent reports that possible decriminalization of marijuana would include expunging existing criminal records. Apparently that bubble has burst as this appears not to be the case. If this change of law were to go ahead it will not create criminal records for those found in cannabis possession in future, but for those looking for a second chance, a ‘clean slate’ so to speak, well….tough luck.
Expunging of existing records is not impossible it seems but has been deemed ‘very difficult’. No doubt it would require additional time, personnel and a lot of commitment to look retrospectively into these cases. Such a task may not be suitable if matters are hurried or deemed expendable.
Our youth, whether they have a criminal record or not, must not be overlooked. If it is possible to give them that new start, they should have it and frankly deserve it. The current debate about decriminalization of marijuana implies the law may have been too harsh; yet it must not be focused on whether police time should be spent chasing 10 grams or less. Rather it should pursue options to keep youth from it and how to open doors for them to retool their way to a healthy, prosperous life.
It is important for the office of the AG, or Governor or any higher authority to give ample time and consideration to this issue. Even if it took an Order in Council to make it happen it would be well worth it. It would be an incentive for them not to return to cannabis.
Many persons who have come before the law have had a profound change in their life and shed their old ways. The most notable would be Malcolm X. Anguillian society must reward those who have decisively turned their lives around.
We in Anguilla should endeavor to do what is right, not what is easy. It was not easy when we chose to stay here about 100 years ago despite looming starvation rather than take up a resettlement offer in British Guiana. It was tough to take up arms in 1967 and revolt against a political union imposed upon us but it was the best decision. Likewise, every opportunity for the law makers to slow down, buckle down and embrace citizens by prudently expunging lingering records is in keeping with the spirit of this island.
As a medical doctor I often have enthusiasm to commence and complete matters for patients in pressed limited time. I have learnt nevertheless that in the best interest of all my patients as a whole it will be necessary to allow other medical doctors to deal with specific patient agenda as they may have the time, experience or facilities. I cannot cherry pick the easy patients and exclude the ‘very difficult’ ones.
A review of cannabis legislation should be considerate and inclusive of needs for laboratory test for illicit drugs, a rehab center, its social impact and yes, Anguillians with existing ganja records that could be expunged.
This AG is on his way out of office and perhaps Anguilla. He should leave this matter of marijuana decriminalization for the incoming attorney general to carefully work on early in his tenure with the Anguillian community.
