Julio S. Henry blasts Governor for delaying Cannabis Act
“From the very beginning of this constitution, this colonial document that we are now living under; and just now becoming aware of how bad it is for all of us living in these Virgin Islands (VI), the Governor is the Chairman of the Cabinet,” he said.
Governor delaying bills
Speaking on the Thursday, September 10, 2020, edition of the Honestly Speaking Show, Henry said the powers of the Governor under the Constitution in the Cabinet, “makes him the boss, whether he votes or he don’t vote,” in Cabinet.
He illustrated that such powers have even allowed the Governor to hold ransom key pieces of legislation, such as the 'Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Act, 2020,' that paves the way for the Territory to establish its own medicinal marijuana industry, through the cultivation of special strains of cannabis on local farmlands by local farmers.
The Virgin Islands Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Act, 2020 was passed with amendments in the House of Assembly (HoA) since June 30, 2020 and sent to the Governor for assent.
Henry questioned why the UK appointed Governor is refusing to assent to the bill after it was discussed in Cabinet and passed in the House of Assembly by democratically elected members of the House of Assembly (HoA).
“Was the Governor in line with the decision that was made with the Cabinet Members and if he was, why would there be any delay in actually passing it after the government passes it, brought it to the House of Assembly, [and] now passed it in the House of Assembly?” he questioned.
According to Mr Henry, the consitution has further empowered the Governor to add to the Cabinet’s agenda, forcing members to debate it.
VI constitution not beneficial to VI – Mr Henry
“Don’t tell me a man will be able to bring something to a Cabinet meeting… and is not part of the discussion?” he said.
Further, he alleged that if Cabinet decisions doesn’t align with the Governor’s decisions, there is a possibility that “it isn’t going to pass because the Governor has the ultimate say.”
As such, Mr Henry agreed that while the Virgin Islands Constitution Order was an improvement over previous alterations, it is not beneficial to the people of the Territory, hence, not beneficial to self governance.
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33 Responses to “Julio S. Henry blasts Governor for delaying Cannabis Act”
You got the opposition idiots making noise because they on hungry belly but NO other country is opening like they want. Start planting in you back yard deh man!
flesh, other thing I will listen to it but consult a health specialist and leave the subject of those miraculous leaves
because a group of us is making noise and does not observe the bill of what they are putting in their pocket with the excuse COVID open eyes that time will tell you about this administration........Tabacco is leaf and it also harmful to health what is you scandal?
on the Governor is totally stupid.
the Constitution of the British Virgin Islands what are the FACTS talking cant change nothing read what is writen before you open your mouth.Your Governor keeps his mouth shut and do what the power of his office allow him to do show me one instant you have proven the Governor broke the protocall no time ot one of you can produce fact he did. All who are getting on media talking crap go and read your Constitution and shut up.
what will we do. Keep your MOUTH SHUT and wait till this comes to pass. Henry take your time you do not run the country you donoy have the know how/
Currently, there is a power sharing arrangement between the people/local government and the crown; the crown rep on the ground is the appointed governor who is the de facto head of state. It may be just a coincidence but the title of Governor was changed from Administrator in 1971. However, to date, there has not been a governor of African descent. Moreover, in the current power sharing arrangement, the governor is responsible for external affairs, defence, internal security, RVIPF, Civil Service, Courts and jail (shared); local government, the remainder, including finance.
Moreover, the next constitutional review must include some structural changes, eg, 1)unicameral HOA to bi-cameral, 2)governor as a member of cabinet, 3) governor having power to assent bills passed by the people elected members in the HOA, 4) reducing governor’s reserve powers...........etc. From my reading and I could be wrong, the Governor has the power to disallow bills approved by the people’s representatives in the HOA. It also seems that in an emergency the Guv has the power to overrule bills passed by the people’s reps in the HOA. To me the assent power is a colonial anachronism, a relic.
Further, after long fought painful battles, the people got the right to vote directly for whom should represent them in the HOA. The people vote for and and send 13 members to the HOA to represent them. This representing includes passing sensible laws to govern the territory that are in best short-term and long-term interest. And if the laws are lawful, this right/preference should not be derailed. If the people are dissatisfied with the performance of elected members, they can peacefully protest consistent with existing laws, make their dissatisfaction known at the ballot box.........etc.
The system of government is flawed. There should be co-equal legislative, executive and judicial branches. Nonetheless, there is little daylight between the legislative and executive. This can be an item for the next constitutional review. If a majority of people want medical marijuana (CBD) legislation, they should have it. Is medical marijuana a money maker for the VI? How will the VI differentiate itself in this competitive business?
The electorate vote to send 13 elected members to the HOA to work on its behalf. This representing includes establishing laws and building institutions on which social order and justice depends. Legislators are not autocrats and are accountable and responsible to the people for actions taken and for actions that should have been but they didn’t. In regards to the medical marijuana law, if the majority dislikes the approach that was taken to pass the law, they should contact their district and at large reps and actively voice their disagreements. Agree that some decisions should be decided through a referendum, eg, course to self-determination, ie, independence. We can agree that putting every decision to a referendum will be an administrative burden.