Stagnation and Secrecy Plague St. Kitts and Nevis’ Medicinal Cannabis Commission
A Promising Industry in Disarray
Amidst promises of a thriving medicinal cannabis industry, the reality in St. Kitts and Nevis paints a starkly different picture. The Medicinal Cannabis Commission, tasked with spearheading this initiative, finds itself shrouded in opacity and stagnation under the leadership of Minister Samal Duggins.
A State of Dormancy
Similar to other sectors like sports and agriculture, the Medicinal Cannabis Commission is mired in a state of dormancy, characterized by seeming incompetence, a serious lack of transparency and accountability, and zero progress in development. Despite Minister Duggins’ rhetoric and promises to the nation, progress remains elusive, and tangible developments on the ground are conspicuously absent.
Superficial Efforts, Substantive Progress Lacking
Since assuming office, the only notable actions within the Medicinal Cannabis Commission have been the appointment of a new CEO, Dr. Garfield Alexander, and the staging of a mini Cannabis exhibition at the Marriott in December. However, beyond these superficial efforts, substantive progress appears to be lacking.
Board of Directors in Secrecy
One glaring issue is the absence of any announcement regarding the members of the Cannabis Commission Board of Directors. Rumors persist that the board has held only a handful of meetings, further fueling concerns about its efficacy and transparency. The veil of secrecy surrounding the composition of the board raises questions about who Minister Duggins and the Drew administration are seeking to shield from public scrutiny.
Minister’s Trips Yield No Results
Despite Minister Duggins’ numerous trips to countries renowned for their medicinal cannabis operations, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, and the USA, these endeavors have failed to translate into tangible advancements within St. Kitts and Nevis. The Medicinal Cannabis Industry, once touted as a potential economic boon, now appears to be languishing, dormant before it even had the chance to flourish.
Conclusion
As calls for transparency and progress grow louder, it is imperative for the government to address the myriad concerns surrounding the Medicinal Cannabis Commission. Failure to do so risks not only undermining public trust but also squandering the potential benefits that a thriving medicinal cannabis industry could bring to St. Kitts and Nevis.
FAQs
Q: What is the current state of the Medicinal Cannabis Commission in St. Kitts and Nevis?
A: The Commission is mired in opacity and stagnation, with a lack of transparency and accountability.
Q: What are the concerns surrounding the Commission?
A: Concerns include a lack of progress, seeming incompetence, and secrecy surrounding the composition of the Board of Directors.
Q: What has Minister Samal Duggins done to address these concerns?
A: Minister Duggins has made superficial efforts, including the appointment of a new CEO and staging a mini Cannabis exhibition, but has failed to translate his trips to other countries into tangible advancements within St. Kitts and Nevis.
Q: What are the potential consequences of inaction?
A: Failure to address these concerns risks undermining public trust and squandering the potential benefits that a thriving medicinal cannabis industry could bring to St. Kitts and Nevis.