One national player has added his voice to the growing debate concerning the decriminalization of small portions of marijuana and how it may affect sportsmen and women.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, in presenting his government’s 2020/2021 Budget, indicated that the government was taking steps to take legislation to Parliament to make it legal for individuals to possess small quantities of marijuana for various uses.
Early this week, President of the Dominica Olympic Committee, Billy Doctrove, and urged caution with the planned move to decriminalize small portions of marijuana since according to him, the use of marijuana by sportsmen and women could have devastating consequences.
Eustace Marshall, who is currently pursuing studies at Lackawanna College in the USA, is advising young sportsmen and women, especially those wishing to pursue educational opportunities abroad to stay clear of drugs.
“As young people looking to go overseas to study and further themselves, I do not think that drugs should be on their minds. I think that it is a mental thing to be above all that and to set goals and standards.
“My advice to young athletes is to just basically stay away from drugs. I know it is going to be legal and basically free. It is a drug that anyone can get their hands on. If you have a goal and you know what you want to achieve you need to stay clear of it.
“There are going to be opportunities for young people. All I can say now is just stay away from the drugs, keep your heads up and stay focused,” the national defender and Harlem player cautioned.
Marshall, who will begin his second year at the Lackawanna College on a partial football scholarship said that he is focused on his studies and drugs are furthest from his mind.
“As of now, I am in college and pursuing my studies. My main aim right now is to go out there and perform in my football and to excel in my studies. Drugs are not part of my picture,” he added.