In a recent case that highlights Guyana’s evolving approach to minor drug offenses, a 41-year-old taxi driver from Georgetown has been sentenced to community service and fined after pleading guilty to possession of marijuana.
Nabadaningi Gobin, a resident of Charlotte Street, Bourda, appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday, February 21, 2025. He admitted to possessing 17 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking when apprehended on February 17 at Albert Street, Georgetown.
The court, following recommendations from the prosecution, imposed a sentence that reflects recent legislative changes aimed at reducing incarceration for small-scale drug offenses. Gobin was ordered to complete community service at the Brickdam Police Station and pay a fine of $25,000 within one week. Failure to pay the fine could result in imprisonment.
This sentencing aligns with Guyana’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill, passed in late 2022, which removed custodial sentences for possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana. Under this law, individuals found with 1 to 15 grams of cannabis face mandatory counseling, while those possessing 15 to 30 grams are subject to community service.
It’s worth noting that while the new legislation has removed jail time for small amounts, possession of marijuana remains a criminal offense in Guyana. The government’s approach aims to balance public safety concerns with a more rehabilitative stance on minor drug offenses.
Gobin’s case is not his first encounter with the law regarding marijuana possession. In June 2024, he faced charges for possessing a larger quantity of the drug. At that time, he pleaded not guilty to having 2,050 grams of marijuana and was remanded to prison pending trial.
The contrast between Gobin’s previous case and the current one illustrates the significant shift in Guyana’s drug policy. This change reflects a growing trend across the Caribbean and globally to adopt more nuanced approaches to drug offenses, particularly those involving cannabis.
Legal experts and social commentators in Guyana have noted that while the new law represents progress, there is ongoing debate about further reforms. Some advocate for full decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana, arguing that it would reduce the burden on the criminal justice system and address social inequities often associated with drug enforcement.
As Gobin prepares to begin his community service on February 24, his case serves as a notable example of Guyana’s evolving drug policies. It underscores the country’s shift towards rehabilitation and community-based penalties for minor drug offenses, moving away from the previous one-size-fits-all approach of incarceration.
The implementation of these new laws and their impact on both individuals and communities will likely be closely monitored by policymakers and social scientists in the coming months and years. As Guyana continues to navigate this complex issue, cases like Gobin’s will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the country’s reformed approach to drug offenses.
