There is no need for debate on conscription, we are told. The two parties are agreed. There will also be no referendum on gaming, and not because the two parties necessarily agree on gaming, but because the OBA Government believed the Opposition PLP had plans to sabotage the vote, which is denied, as it so happens.

Either way the people won’t be having much of a say. Except maybe on how integrated casino resort gaming should be run in Bermuda. Quite how that will actually work I do not know. Talk to your MP, we have been told, or pitch up for “education” at a series of planned public meetings where you will learn just what it is that Government has in mind and when, presumably, you can also tell them how you think they can improve what they have in mind. We don’t know whether there any more fact-finding trips in the works or whether, after Singapore, Government believe that they now know all there is to know on gaming. We also haven’t heard whether anyone in or out of Government intends to visit and report on those places where gambling has not been a success despite the initial allure of jobs and revenue and the promise of careful control and rigorous regulation.

No mind. If we believe what we are now being told, and what we are also starting to learn about Government’s research and actions behind the scenes to this point, this is a done decision. Of course, if you don’t like it you don’t have to lump it: you can always register your protest and sign the petition for a referendum which, we have also been told, is an example of democracy in action. Well, sort of. Kind of depends on the eventual outcome, don’t you think?

Speaking for myself, having an opportunity to speak isn’t quite the same thing as having a say — and, no, I don’t think I am splitting hairs here. A referendum is having a say. Nevertheless people will continue to talk, as is their right, whether in the streets, in homes, on the radio talks shows or on social media.

Listening however, is even harder and a whole ‘nother matter and, sad to say, one which so few of us seem to be able to do very well; some, not at all.

High on the hill … in St. George’s

Speaking if a slow rush to be like everyone else … it will be interesting to see what will happen with debate on possible decriminalisation or legalisation of marijuana — assuming we actually do have one.

There is a committee out there already, the Cannabis Reform Collaborative (CRC), set up to do some fact finding and so far attracting all sorts of attention and interest, for all sorts of reasons, but none to do with the efficacy (or not) of the herb.

We have not yet heard yet of any plans for fact-finding missions (there is lots of scope there), but questions have been raised fairly over whether this is or is not a Government committee. After all, it was announced and unveiled by a Government Minister, and, so far it is the only committee that we know of, following Government’s promise in the Throne Speech to produce a public consultative paper on the decriminalisation of marijuana and an examination of its wider uses.

The eventual goal, we were told, is to have a mature, sensible discussion on marijuana — presumably off the Hill as well as on ? — but one that must now be subject to this newest overriding caveat, which is: provided that the OBA doesn’t come to believe that the PLP has plans to see this issue end up in smoke. So to speak.

But, hey, I may be getting ahead of myself here. Anything can happen — and it usually does, even within 24 hours which, as they say, is a long time in politics.

Still, on an objective view, Bermuda is already behind the curve. People talk and see what is going on in some of the United States of America, as well as in Canada where one of the two major parties, the Liberals, have made legalisation of marijuana a plank in their election platform. It is not difficult to smell which way the wind is now blowing on this issue.

At least our Government has grasped the nettle — a weed of a different sort, but one commonly found in politics, figuratively speaking of course. A cautious, deliberate approach, given all of the implications, may be a wise one. However, when it comes to medical marijuana, there may an opportunity here to get moving now rather than later.

I do not know how many doctors out of ten are recommending cannabis, but like many of you I am aware that it has become a recognised, acceptable and, in some cases, a welcome form of treatment for debilitating pain in appropriate cases in the United States and Canada for example. There are some who even tout its curative value. The idea of a marijuana medical retreat in Bermuda may not be as far-fetched as you think, say, for example, high on the hill in St. George’s where Club Med used to sit. Arguably, this possibility presents a compelling combination on two fronts: for tourism (more jobs) and for Government (more revenue). Much like gaming, you think?

*Tell us what you think either on The Royal Gazette website or write jbarritt@ibl.bm.