NO RUSH FOR Recreational marijuana
failed but showed promising hydrocarbon
indications. A bipartisan group of
American lawmakers have also formally
stated their opposition to offshore drilling
saying they fear a similar eco disaster
as the Deepwater Horizon disaster
in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 could
affect the whole area and its tourism
product.
The BPC had made its intention
clear it will in fact apply for renewal of
exploration permits that are scheduled
to expire in June. Local laws say applications
for new documents must be in
three months before the expiry date. PM
Minnis says he will oppose any efforts to
drill a second and any other such well.
“I have not seen any requests. But, I
will state again my position with respect
to drilling in our waters. I am totally
against drilling within our sea waters.
I think our waters should be preserved.
We have some of the best fish nurseries
in the world. I think it’s essential for
us to preserve that, protect our marine
resources, protect our waters, “PM Minnis
told reporters.
The governmental efforts to blank
exploration come as a slew of other
CARICOM nations move to ramp up
exploration by handing out licenses.
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Authorities in Barbados, for example,
recently said all systems are in place for
Australian oil explorer BHP to begin
work later this year. Their program was
stymied by the COVID-19 pandemic in
the past year but Minister of Energy,
Kerrie Symmonds said, “we’re now at
the stage where the company is ready
to commence its offshore exploration
work in 2021. Over the last year while
we were on pause due to COVID, we
were negotiating with the company to
explore ways in which we could improve
the exploration work program.”
Jamaica and Grenada are also moving
to get into the race but the Jamaicans
are well ahead of Grenada and have
their eyes on work off its southern coast
as well as onshore acreages where oil
seeps have been detected.
Continued from Page 1
higher education, or equal opportunities
compared to the masses,” Slater
continued. “However, this legislative
move has left more questions than
answers in my mind.
“Are there going to be any guard
rails (limitations or stipulations) to
protect us from substance abusers
who would be driving high as kite
causing fatal car accidents, just like
drunk drivers are held accountable?
Are there going to be designated areas
for smoking like it done for cigarettes,
or omnipresent in our faces?”
he asked.
Slater said the state has “moved
on the decriminalization of the herb
knowing incredible dollars are the bottom
line, just like Colorado, California
and other states who made billions in
revenue.
“Who stands to benefit the most —
the state, big business, the people of
Brooklyn?” he asked. “I doubt it.
“What about getting license for cultivation
or the process or prices of
obtaining such licensure?” the activist
further asked. “I understand it’s
difficulty for the ordinary man to
obtain, so how exactly do these complex
integral components consort to
make profitable?
“Looking through my political lens,
it’s a calculated win for the Democrats,
which will undoubtedly enhance their
political capital among significant sections
of the electorate,” Slater said.
“Who can tip the scales of power? Is
this what it’s really all about?”
On Tuesday, New York Attorney
General Letitia James welcomed the
favorable vote in the State Legislature,
stating that the legalization of marijuana
is “a racial and criminal justice
imperative.’”
She said the vote is “a critical step
towards a fairer and more just system.
“For too long, people of color have
been disproportionately impacted by
an outdated and shortsighted marijuana
prohibition,” said James, adding
that “it’s past time we right this
wrong.
“We must also engineer an economy
that will provide a much-needed
boost to communities devastated by
the war on drugs and COVID-19, and
I am hopeful this will help to achieve
that for New Yorkers,” she continued.
As New York City Public Advocate,
James was among the first elected
officials in the State to call for the
legalization of recreational marijuana,
citing the need for a fairer justice
system and a significant boost to the
economy.
James has also advocated for
expunging the records of those who
have been arrested, detained or convicted
of marijuana-related possession.
Continued from Page 1
Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Hubert
Minnis. Associated Press / Martin Mejia,
File
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