This comes as Mr Jaspert had also claimed that the UK contributed to the hold-up while they scrutinized the bill although it was already passed in the VI House of Assembly.

Mr Jasper has been in possession of both bills since July of 2020, several months before the record $250M cocaine was discovered in the VI on November 6, 2020.

It should be noted that a cocaine bust also has nothing to do with the delayed Cannabis Bill aimed at setting the framework for the establishment of the local medical marijuana industry.

No solid excuse from Governor Jaspert

Speaking during a statement released on December 10, 2020, Governor Jaspert said, “These considerations have been complicated by the increasing number of illegal drugs seizures that have taken place here in recent months – particularly the record-breaking seizure of more than 2,300 kilos of cocaine in early November.”

The statements have now raised eyebrows by many in the Territory, who now view the Governor’s latest excuse as a possible lie and smokescreen to hide an ulterior motive.

The Governor also said further, that the Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Act, 2020 has been passed on to the UK Foreign Secretary for consideration and assent alongside wider factors including the security of the region and the recent United Nations’ decision on the reclassification of marijuana as a less dangerous drug.

'Honestly Speaking' host Claude O. Skelton-Cline had pointed to the Governor's recent statements as evidence of the UK seeking to use its powers to take control of VI's borders, and to allegedly undermine the democratically elected government and the local legislative process.

Blatant lies?

On November 5, 2020, at the First Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Honourable Julian Willock made public that the VI Cannabis Licensing Act, 2020, which was passed on June 30, 2020, was sent to the Governor's Office on July 27, 2020, with the Speaker requesting a reason for the delay.

To date, Speaker Willock's concerns have not been publicly addressed by the Governor, despite many correspondences seeking the information and the bill has not be assented.

Many are now lambasting the Governor for not having a solid story regarding the hold-up, and calling his blaming of the drug bust a blatant lie being told to the people of the territory as they await a decision on bills to move forward with new industries.

Social commentators including Claude O. Skelton-Cline has said that the statement is one where the UK is using its cohesive powers to allegedly undermine the democratically elected Government and the local legislative process, which passed the Marijuana Act.

On November 5, 2020, at the First Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Honourable Julian Willock made public that the VI Cannabis Licensing Act, 2020, which was passed on 30th June 2020 was sent to Governor's Office on July, 27, 2020.