After almost two years of anticipation and inquiries, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has appointed a 15-member Cannabis Authority Board of Directors. This development marks a pivotal moment in the implementation of the Cannabis Act, 2020. The board convened on July 4, 2024, ending a prolonged period of perceived stagnation within the authority.
The board is represented by an array of professionals from a range of stakeholder sectors, including medicine, law, agriculture, Rastafarian natural practitioners, trade, finance, customs, and law enforcement.
The delays in establishing the board members raised many questions and criticisms, particularly directed at Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Marine Resources, Hon. Samal Duggins. His critics questioned the apparent lack of progress in establishing the Cannabis Authority, leading to skepticism about the government’s commitment to the cannabis industry.
In his presentation, Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources and Cooperatives, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Sports and The Creative Economy and Entertainment and The Arts, stated, “I am eager to see the outcomes of our initial discussions come to fruition. The commitment and expertise of this Board are exactly what we need to drive the Cannabis industry forward and achieve our goals.”
Jihan Williams-Knight, Chairperson of the Cannabis Board, expressed optimism; “The discussions were extremely fruitful and already rich with ideas. I am encouraged by the high level of passion and enthusiasm that the members displayed. The diverse composition of the Board positions us to develop holistic and progressive policies. We are all clear that our mandate is to work, not talk, and to do what is necessary to support the development of the Medicinal Cannabis Authority and a thriving cannabis industry.”
