Churches got just enough signatures for a referendum

By Aaron Humes: Some 18,891 registered electors were accepted as having petitioned for a referendum on the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill pursuant to Section 2(4) of the Referendum Act, according to a Cabinet briefing from the Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, and Religious Affairs, Henry Charles Usher.

That represents 10.07 percent of the total number of registered electors, out of 20,112 petitions submitted and vetted by the Chief Elections Officer and her team and successfully triggering such a referendum, due within 30 days of the issue of the writ by the Governor-General and in any event no later than September 4 by law.
The Cabinet is satisfied that the democratic process was followed and welcomes the opportunity to hear from the electorate on this issue.

Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries Kareem Musa intends to encourage a yes vote, while the Coalition of Churches is spearheading a no vote. The Opposition United Democratic Party has indicated that its members may vote their conscience, but Leader of the Opposition Moses “Shyne” Barrow is on record as supporting the legalization of cannabis.

The churches are in the process of beginning their campaign leading up to the referendum whenever it is called.

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