Members of Antigua and Barbuda's Rastafarian community gathered outside the St. John's Police Station on Saturday in a peaceful demonstration calling for fairer treatment of individuals arrested and incarcerated for marijuana-related offences. According to Antigua.news, protesters dressed predominantly in white and carried Rastafarian flags as they assembled outside the police compound.
Participants chanted, held placards, and engaged passersby in discussions about the social and legal implications of marijuana-related arrests. Organizers stressed that the demonstration was intended to raise awareness rather than provoke confrontation.
Several community members argued that despite growing regional and international movements toward cannabis decriminalization and legalization, individuals in Antigua and Barbuda continue to face incarceration for offences they believe should be handled differently. Protesters expressed particular concern that some individuals remain behind bars for marijuana-related matters even as public debate about drug law reform intensifies.
For many Rastafarians, marijuana — commonly referred to as "ganja" — is considered a sacrament and holds a central role in spiritual and religious practice. Demonstrators contended that this cultural and religious context deserves greater consideration in how cannabis-related offences are handled by authorities.
The group also called on policymakers and law enforcement to review existing legislation and enforcement practices, arguing that incarceration should not be the primary response to minor marijuana offences.
The demonstration drew mixed reactions from members of the public. Some expressed support for the protesters' message, while others maintained that existing laws should remain enforced until formally amended through the legislative process.
The protest takes place amid ongoing discussions across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean regarding cannabis reform and decriminalization. Several regional governments have already implemented varying degrees of legislative reform, while advocacy groups continue to push for broader changes governing marijuana use and possession.
Rastafarian community members indicated they intend to sustain their advocacy efforts, describing Saturday's demonstration as part of a wider campaign to encourage dialogue and pursue what they consider a more just and equitable approach to cannabis-related offences in Antigua and Barbuda.
