UK has no role in Caribbean marijuana debate, says British diplomat

CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) --The visiting British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean says the United Kingdom does not have any role to play in the ongoing marijuana debate in the Caribbean.

"It's not a debate that we have a role to play in although I know that it is raging wildly around the region," High Commissioner Victoria Dean told reporters in St Lucia.

Dean said she understood that there are different arguments at stake, with some people believing that marijuana can make an important contribution to the region.

However she said it's an issue that needs to "run its course" in the Caribbean with "the right local players."

Asked whether the final decision could affect the UK's continuing contribution to helping to fight crime and effecting judicial reform in the region, Dean said whatever course is decided upon is one that the UK will have to respond as it continues to work with the Caribbean in tackling crime, counter-narcotics and issues of a judicial nature.

"We are absolutely in tandem with the governments of the region so this isn't something we do

on our own because it has a direct impact on countries in the region and a direct impact on the UK shores as well, so we would like to work along with the governments on any decision that they make," the British diplomat disclosed.

Last month, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders announced that they were creating a regional commission to analyze the possibility of legalizing marijuana.

The announcement followed a two-day summit in which they discussed a preliminary report that found decriminalizing medical marijuana could help boost the region's economy.

St Lucia's Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony has said that his administration cannot at this point take a position for or against the legalisation of marijuana.

"It can't be a yes or a no now, but equally we must be open to the findings of the commission," he said.