Minister of Agriculture Hon. Saboto Caesar said that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has exhibited itself as a leader in the region in the cannabis industry.

The Minister said this fact was clearly articulated by visitors to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for the inaugural Cannabis Festival.

From November 1st to the 3rd, hundreds of international and regional participants in the cannabis industry converged in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for the first ever medicinal cannabis festival in the Caribbean Region.

"And sometimes we must reflect on the journey, celebrate our achievements as we prepare for modern advancements. I had the opportunity to speak to professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine and one of the issues she underscored was how do we work with the traditional cultivators to continue the social transformation that is necessary and that is critical, how do we work with the Rastafarian Community to ensure that they also continue to benefit".

The Minister said the festival created a platform for continued engagement and re-engagement.

"Re-engagement on some issues that went a bit quiet because of the volcanic eruption. We also had hurricane Beryl and we had prepared for certain things earlier in the year, and they were knocked off the radar because of these climate change issues. So, I am really happy and I'm comforted in the work that was put into the festival and the renewed partnerships that I saw between the traditional cultivators and the Medicinal Cannabis Authority".

SOURCE: National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC Radio)