Members of Antigua and Barbuda’s Rastafarian community gathered outside the St. John’s Police Station on Saturday, in a peaceful demonstration calling for what they described as fairer treatment of individuals arrested and incarcerated for marijuana-related offences.
Dressed predominantly in white and carrying Rastafarian flags, the protesters assembled outside the police compound to voice concerns about what they see as inconsistencies in the enforcement of laws surrounding cannabis possession and use.
Throughout the demonstration, participants chanted, held placards, and engaged passersby in discussions about the social and legal implications of marijuana-related arrests. Organizers emphasized that the protest was intended to be peaceful and aimed at raising awareness rather than creating confrontation.
Several members of the Rastafarian community argued that despite growing regional and international movements toward the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis, individuals in Antigua and Barbuda continue to face incarceration for offences they believe should be addressed differently.
Protesters expressed concern that some individuals remain behind bars for marijuana-related matters while public conversations continue about reforming drug laws and recognizing the religious and cultural significance of cannabis within the Rastafarian faith.
For many Rastafarians, marijuana, often referred to as “ganja,” is regarded as a sacrament and plays an important role in spiritual practices and religious observances. Demonstrators contended that this cultural and religious context should be taken into greater consideration when dealing with cannabis-related offences.
Members of the group also called on policymakers and law enforcement authorities to review existing legislation and enforcement practices, arguing that incarceration should not be the primary response to minor marijuana offences.
The demonstration attracted attention from members of the public, with some expressing support for the protesters’ message while others maintained that existing laws should continue to be enforced until formally amended.
The protest comes amid ongoing discussions across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider caribbean regarding cannabis reform, decriminalization, and the balancing of public health, law enforcement, and religious freedoms. Several regional governments have already implemented varying degrees of reform, while advocacy groups continue to push for broader changes to legislation governing marijuana use and possession.
Members of the Rastafarian community indicated that they intend to continue advocating for reforms and greater recognition of their rights, saying the demonstration was part of a wider effort to encourage dialogue on the issue and seek what they consider a more just and equitable approach to cannabis-related offences in Antigua and Barbuda.
Hahahah a force dem rasta’s feel they have rights to all marijuana trees. Lol
I would like someone to come forward and say what happened to my son …..Thomas Vasquez..who was brought to Antigua and Barbuda from Trinidad and Tobago to work on said Marijuana Farm located in Glansville, Pares, by one of your fellow Rastafarain Andre Solomon and who has since dissappeared. Thomas was last seen on the farm in Glansville on the morning of Tuesday April 15th, 2025. He was 21 years at that time.
Lady i feel for you and I feel your pain but your son lived dangerously from all accounts. I know it s hard as a a parent who suffered loss we dont want to come to terms with the truth but perhaps your son was in a bad situation. He worked on a ganga plantation.
I dont understand how this goes. One day we can use it for medicinal purposes and then we are jailed.
Haillllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll celasiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii. Free up the herb’
The country just full of hypocrites. One day we have a whole marijuana empire calling themselves GROW where we can buy rolled joints. Yet we frastrating people for a small about of herb
Comment *I agree 100% with these men. So many criminals are in high office and nobody care to prosecute them yet we jailing our brothers and sisters over alttle herb
They need to come out at match seven times for seven days straight until the walls found down. We fedup with the nonesence