Speaking in the House of Assembly during the ongoing debate on the 2021 budget estimates, Premier Fahie stated that it is the first time in his political career that that he has heard the UK Foreign Secretary being directly involved in approving a bill passed by local legislators.

"Mr. Speaker I pray that it is not something done to stall us even further, but something that is done to help push forward this matter and have it done very quickly," the Premier stated.

He added, "We have seen that there are potential investors that we have lost due to the lapse in time and we understand that their interests have gone other places. This Mr. Speaker is room for concern because when we passed the cannabis legislation, in-spite of all the negative talk around it we have seen lately where the United Nations have come forward now independent to what we have passed, yet now to validate everything that was passed."

He explained that the BVI has been proactive and diligent that all the measures in the bill met the guidance put forward by United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) which has removed cannabis from a list of deadly drugs.

"Come they must, but we cannot afford for these delays to continue," the Premier noted.

The bill when assented to will enable the licensed cultivation, processing, importation, exportation and sale of cannabis for certain purposes – largely medicinal and therapeutic.

However, outgoing Governor Agustus Jaspert, who has so far withheld assent, revealed that following extensive consultation, advice has been received from the UK Government’s Home Office.

At present, the Home Office acts as the licensing authority for narcotics in BVI, including medical narcotics. The Cannabis Licensing Act would change that, establishing in law a new authority in BVI that would take over this responsibility from the Home Office.

"For this to happen, BVI and the Home Office need to work together to take preliminary steps to transfer the authority and enter into a Memorandum of Understanding, which is a binding agreement between the two Governments. That way, there can be certainty for all involved that BVI’s new industry will not breach the 1961 Convention or any international law now or in the future," the Governor stated.

He explained that he has asked officials in the BVI and UK Governments to complete this work together.

"As these practical steps will be between the BVI Government and the UK government (not the Governor’s Office), I have passed this to the Foreign Secretary. Public officials in the UK stand ready to engage on this and once these steps have taken place, I hope assent can be granted," the Governor explained.

He stated that at the point when assent is granted, the Territory will have responsibility for ensuring its own compliance with international laws relating to this matter.

The Governor noted that the authority will need to be fully staffed, creating new jobs and building new capabilities for our people. Its establishment will also be a significant step forward in terms of BVI’s overall self-determination, as BVI takes ownership of a responsibility currently performed by the UK. I look forward to this taking place and to the beginning of a new medical marijuana industry here in BVI.

The Governor also shared that the bill presents potential economic opportunities for the Territory and I applaud the efforts to diversify the economy.