This bill will decriminalise possession of small amounts of cannabis and erase some previous convictions.

Governor Jaspert explained that the UK Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, would like to give further consideration to the bill to explore the possible effects of decriminalising the possession of a recreational drug and thereby potentially increasing the selling and buying of the substance.

It was explained that the UK Foreign Secretary has instructed Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert to pass the bill to him for assent.

Governor Jaspert explains that the Foreign Secretary does not use this power lightly and that he, Governor Jaspert fully supports his request.

Governor Jaspert said “The Foreign Secretary does not use this power lightly, but believes this bill requires further consideration at the most senior levels in London in order to reassure the people of BVI and international partners. His decision to do so is a reflection of the UK Government’s belief that the safety and security of BVI is paramount, which I fully support. It is only right that the highest levels of diligence and care are exercised when it comes to the lives and livelihoods of Virgin Islanders.”

The BVI Constitution gives the Foreign Secretary the power to instruct a Governor in this way.