No chalice in MoBay, mayor warns CanEX guests
Published:Thursday | September 27, 2018 | 12:00 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Montego Bay Mayor Homer Davis is warning ganja smokers attending the CanEx Jamaica Business Conference and Expo in St James not to light and puff their chalice in public spaces in the western city.
Davis was addressing the opening session of the third staging of the CanEx Jamaica Business Conference and Expo, which started at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James yesterday.
In 2013, the Government of Jamaica placed a ban on smoking in public places, including all enclosed places, public transport-ation, workplaces, government buildings, health facilities, sports, athletics and recreational facilities, educational facilities, areas specifically for use by children, and places of collective use such as bus stops.
PUBLIC SMOKING BAN
"I implore you not to light up your chalice in the public space," Davis said. "It is still illegal to smoke in a public space [here in Jamaica]. So as you enjoy your stay here, I say to you that there is a lot that you can look at, our beautiful beaches, our beautiful people, our great music and not to mention our great food."
Despite the caution he has issued, the mayor, nonetheless, made it clear that he welcomed any investment in the emerging marijuana industry.
"We welcome investments in this multimillion-dollar cannabis industry. I caution, however, that these investments must be orderly and must conform to the laws of our land," said Davis. "I am sure the cannabis industry is a sustainable one and one that can provide well-paying job opportunities for our citizens, our scientists, and certainly, those who are involved at other levels of the trade."
Like the persons attending the conference, Davis said that he was looking forward to the discussions on how the legal cannabis industry would impact Jamaica.
"I join everyone in looking forward to the discussions, the new developments, and future developments of this industry, and I am confident that Jamaica and Jamaicans at all levels will be key players in this local operation," noted Davis.