TWO BILLS TO RECEIVE FIRST READING IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON MONDAY, JUNE 12

Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 8, 2023 (SKNIS): The Order Paper has been issued for a sitting of the National Assembly to be held at the National Assembly Chambers, Government Headquarters, Basseterre, on Monday 12th June, 2023, at 10:00 am and of which notice has been given.

Two Bills will receive their first reading. The government’s good governance legislative agenda continues as the government commits itself to transparency, accountability and the Rule of Law.

The Honourable Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Finance, National Security, Citizenship and Immigration, Health and Social Security, Dr. Terrance Drew, will seek leave to introduce and have read a first time the Bills entitled Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and Freedom of Conscience (Cannabis) Bill, 2023.

The Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2023 is a Bill to amend the Firearms Act cap. 19.05 and for matters connected therewith. In a nutshell, the Bill is intended to increase the maximum penalty to 25 years of imprisonment with or without hard labour for a conviction in a court of law for breaches committed under the Firearms Act. 

The Freedom of Conscience (Cannabis) Bill, 2023 is a Bill to facilitate the personal cultivation by adults of cannabis for private use in a secured area within a private residence and the personal possession and use of cannabis in certain public places within the designated smoking areas for the enjoyment of a person’s freedom of conscience, including freedom of thought and of religion; and for related matters.

The National Assembly will be carried live on ZIZ Radio (96 FM) and participating radio stations. It can also be viewed live on TV Channel 5 in St. Kitts and Channel 98 in Nevis. It will also be streamed live at www.zizonline.com

Copies of Bills, as soon as they are made available, can be found on the website (www.sknis.gov.kn) of the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service under the section titled Bills.     

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