Pubdate: Fri, 20 Jul 2012
Source: Reporter, The (Belize)
Copyright: 2012 The Reporter Belize
Contact: http://www.reporter.bz/index.php?option=com_contact&Itemid=3
Website: http://www.reporter.bz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4991

GOB MAY SET NEW POLICY ON MARIJUANA: NO MORE JAIL TIME FOR A STICK OR TWO!

The Ministry of National Security announced this week that it will be
looking at a proposal to make it a misdemeanor, instead of a criminal
offence, for persons to possess up to 10 grams of marijuana.

Persons found with marijuana in small quantities (less than 10 grams)
would be required to pay a fine, but would not be sent to jail, under
the new proposal.

As the law stands today, persons found with anything under 60 grams
(about two ounces) - can be ordered to pay fines of up to $50,000 plus
spend three years in jail.

Minister of National Security John Saldivar, has already appointed a
committee to evaluate the proposal and to begin consultations with
interested persons and organizations.

But the window of opportunity for these consultations is outrageously
small. The Ministry expects to receive comments by Friday, July 20,
that is by the end of this week!

Mr. Douglas Singh, the former Minister of Police, is the Chairman of
the reviewing committee, and apparently the person who set the early
deadline.

The complete text of the Ministry's release is given
below.

"A committee has been appointed by the Minister of National Security
to evaluate and, if appropriate, make proposals for the
decriminalization of the possession of small portions of Cannabis
Sativa (commonly known as Marijuana and Weed).

"For the purpose of this exercise, the word decriminalization means
that the treatment of the infraction will be adjusted so that most of
the detriments are removed or reduced.

"The offence will then be subject to regulation which will allow for
the implementation of probationary measures. It is also proposed that
no criminal record be kept in the first instance and portions of the
penalty be reserved for drug education.

"The current legislation treats the possession of under 60 grams of
marijuana as a criminal offence and is punishable by a fine of up to
$50,000 and/or up to three years imprisonment.

"The proposal is to decriminalize the possession of up to 10 grams of
marijuana which will then be subject to fines, mandatory drug
education and no imprisonment.

"This initiative is driven by increasing evidence that the current
legislation clutters the courts and the prison with primarily a
marginalized segment of our population.

"The added impact of a permanent criminal record further disadvantages
this already marginalized group as it establishes a barrier against
meaningful employment.

"The committee wishes to emphasize that the proposal is not to
legalize the offence thereby purging it of all its penalties; it is
merely to reduce and regulate. This is further supported by
international trends towards decriminalization.

The Committee recognizes that the instant proposal for the
decriminalization of small quantities of Marijuana is a sensitive
issue. All interested groups and individuals are hereby given an
opportunity to express their views on the matter.

"The committee invites you to offer a position in writing by letter or
email. Please direct such correspondence to: Douglas Singh Committee
Chair email:  # 1 Mapp Street Belize
City, Belize.

"We would be grateful to receive your comments by Friday July
20.

"If you wish to make representation to the committee please indicate
in your written response and we will be pleased to accommodate your
request.
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MAP posted-by: Matt