Beautiful Virgin Islands

Tuesday, Jun 03, 2025

Government’s ganja bill further stalled amid UK/BVI COI talks

Government’s ganja bill further stalled amid UK/BVI COI talks

The government’s Cannabis Licensing Act has been stalled until the current BVI/UK talks on the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report, and the implementation of its myriad recommendations, have been concluded favourably.
This was the indication given by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley when he met with the media at a recent press briefing.

“None of those talks have moved forward until we come to an agreement with the United Kingdom as it pertains to our proposal because, of course, if the constitution is partially suspended, I will no longer be in a position to negotiate,” Premier Wheatley stated.

He said the only way that the BVI‘s leaders will be able to continue with discussions regarding the Cannabis Licensing Act, is if there is a confirmation that the BVI will continue to have “a democratic framework“ in place.

“As soon as we get that confirmation, God willing, we can return to the talks about getting assent to that piece of legislation,” said Premier Wheatley who still has primary portfolio responsibility for agriculture.

The Premier further stated that he believes there is “potential” for the legislation once it has been agreed upon and assented.

After being passed in the House Assembly nearly two years ago, the bill was sent to former Governor Augustus Jaspert for assent but was instead sent to the UK‘s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for further discussions by the then-governor.

Jaspert had argued that necessary safeguards such as a licensing body, were not in place to properly administer the sector once the law had been passed.

At the time, former Premier Andrew Fahie called the move by the UK-appointed Governor “unprecedented”; arguing that it was a first in the BVI‘s political history.

Working groups had later been set up to attempt to resolve the impasse and arrive at a possible solution for assent of the legislation.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
China Accuses US of Violating Trade Truce
Panama Port Owner Balances US-China Pressures
France Implements Nationwide Outdoor Smoking Ban to Protect Children
German Chancellor Merz Keeps Putin Guessing on Missile Strategy
Mandelson Criticizes UK's 'Fetish' for Abandoning EU Regulations
British Fishing Boat Owner Fined €30,000 by French Authorities
Dutch government falls as far-right leader Wilders quits coalition
Harvard Urges US to Unfreeze Funds for Public Health Research
Businessman Mauled by Lion at Luxury Namibian Lodge
Researchers Consider New Destinations Beyond the U.S.
53-Year-Old Doctor Claims Biological Age of 23
Trump Struggles to Secure Trade Deals With China and Europe
Russia to Return 6,000 Corpses Under Ukraine Prisoner Swap Deal
Microsoft Lays Off Hundreds More Amid Restructuring
Harvey Weinstein’s Publicist Embraces Notoriety
Macron and Meloni Seek Unity Despite Tensions
Trump Administration Accused of Obstructing Deportation Cases
Newark Mayor Sues Over Arrest at Immigration Facility
Center-Left Candidate Projected to Win South Korean Presidency
Trump’s Tariffs Predicted to Stall Global Economic Growth
South Korea’s President-Elect Expected to Take Softer Line on Trump and North Korea
Trump’s China Strategy Remains a Geopolitical Puzzle
Ukraine Executes Long-Range Drone Strikes on Russian Airbases
Conservative Karol Nawrocki wins Poland’s presidential election
Study Identifies Potential Radicalization Risk Among Over One Million Muslims in Germany
Good news: Annalena Baerbock Elected President of the UN General Assembly
Apple Appeals EU Law Over User Data Sharing Requirements
South Africa: "First Black Bank" Collapses after Being Looted by Owners
Poland will now withdraw from the EU migration pact after pro-Trump nationalist wins Election
"That's Disgusting, Don’t Say It Again": The Trump Joke That Made the President Boil
Trump Cancels NASA Nominee Over Democratic Donations
Paris Saint-Germain's Greatest Triumph Is Football’s Lowest Point
OnlyFans for Sale: From Lockdown Lifeline to Eight-Billion-Dollar Empire
Mayor’s Security Officer Implicated | Shocking New Details Emerge in NYC Kidnapping Case
Hegseth Warns of Potential Chinese Military Action Against Taiwan
OPEC+ Agrees to Increase Oil Output for Third Consecutive Month
Jamie Dimon Warns U.S. Bond Market Faces Pressure from Rising Debt
Turkey Detains Istanbul Officials Amid Anti-Corruption Crackdown
Taylor Swift Gains Ownership of Her First Six Albums
Bangkok Ranked World's Top City for Remote Work in 2025
Satirical Sketch Sparks Political Spouse Feud in South Korea
Indonesia Quarry Collapse Leaves Multiple Dead and Missing
South Korean Election Video Pulled Amid Misogyny Outcry
Asian Economies Shift Away from US Dollar Amid Trade Tensions
Netflix Investigates Allegations of On-Set Mistreatment in K-Drama Production
US Defence Chief Reaffirms Strong Ties with Singapore Amid Regional Tensions
Vietnam Faces Strategic Dilemma Over China's Mekong River Projects
Malaysia's First AI Preacher Sparks Debate on Islamic Principles
White House Press Secretary Criticizes Harvard Funding, Advocates for Vocational Training
France to Implement Nationwide Smoking Ban in Outdoor Spaces Frequented by Children
×