Manxman Ray Lakeman, whose two sons died from an ecstasy overdose and Jane Slater, of Transform Drug Policy Foundation and Anyone's Child, will explain why they want to see drugs legally regulated at an event to be held in Douglas on the 24th April 2017.
The Positive Action Group (PAG) and the Isle of Man Freethinkers are hosting this presentation and Q & A. The public, press and politicians are invited to come along and hear how legal control and regulation of drugs would benefit the Isle of Man.
When: Monday 24th April, 7.30pm
Where: Manx Legion Club, Market Hill, Douglas. The meeting is free and open to all.
The time is right for a new approach to drugs on the Isle of Man - signalled by the new government's announcement that it is committed to developing evidence based policy.
Former Chief Minister Allan Bell believes that cannabis should be decriminalised, for medicinal purposes.
His statement followed a similar event organised by PAG & IOM Freethinkers three years ago, where esteemed academic Professor David Nutt spoke.
Speakers on the 24th April include:
Ray Lakeman, Father to Jacques and Torin, who both tragically died from an accidental ecstasy overdose
Jane Slater - Project Manager of the Anyone's Child Campaign
Jane Slater spokesperson for Anyone's Child said:
"Legal regulation means taking drugs out of the hands of criminals and placing it under government control via doctors, pharmacists and licensed retailers. Criminalising the drug trade and drug users isn't keeping our children safe, it's putting them in grave danger. Our voices must be heard and our politicians must listen. We need to put governments in control of the drugs market, so that families are better protected."
Ray Lakeman of Port St Mary said:
"We need to move beyond fear, discrimination and punishment, and towards drug laws that are based on honesty, compassion and health. We insist on the safety and control of alcohol, tobacco, even sugar - so why not other drugs?"
Ray has now joined the Anyone's Child Campaign with other families who are campaigning for the legal regulation and control of drugs.
Stuart Hartill, Chair IOM Freethinkers said:
“The Freethinkers realise it's a thorny issue, but also that we must raise such issues locally, though always in a responsible way, rather than waiting to see how large countries deal with the problem. We warmly invite Manx people to come along, listen and contribute on the night, then go away and continue that discussion.”
"Safer Drug Control" a presentation by Jane Slater, Head of Operations at TRANSFORM
7.30 p.m. Monday 24th April 2017
Manx Legion Club, Market Hill, Douglas
The meeting is free and open to all.
