Bermuda’s political stand-off on whether to legalise the use and production of cannabis has drawn international attention.

The Washington Post, one of America’s most respected newspapers, has featured a piece on how the island is dealing with the UK’s block on liberalising drug laws.

The Post article noted that advocates of reform said the current situation “harmed Black islanders disproportionately” and that Kathy Lynn Simmons, the Attorney-General, said the present regime represented the “stain of colonialism”.

The piece noted that “Mother Britain” had stopped Bermuda from going its own way on the drug issue.

The highly influential, and well read, news outlet reported that Rena Lalgie, the Governor, had been “instructed” by the British foreign secretary to refuse the Cannabis Licensing Bill Royal Assent.

That meant the measures could not become law, despite being passed twice by the House of Assembly.

The Senate delayed the Bill in 2021, but when it came to a vote earlier this year, the Upper House was tied on the matter.

However, due to the Constitution it could not be stalled again and the proposed legislation went to the Governor for consideration.

Ms Lalgie said it did not comply with UK treaty obligations and urged Hamilton and London to find a compromise on the issue.

The Post article noted that David Burt, the Premier, had said that if the legislation was blocked it would “destroy” Bermuda’s relationship with the UK.