More than 40 people have now had past convictions for cannabis possession expunged.

Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, said that she had granted 16 expungements of criminal cannabis convictions under the Expungement of Convictions Act 2021 in her first year in office.

Under the legislation, those who were earlier convicted of possessing less than seven grams of cannabis can apply to have the convictions removed from their criminal records.

Ms Wilkerson said: “For many Bermudians, expungement represents the chance to rebuild their lives, pursue new opportunities and fully participate in our community.

“Over the course of my first year in office, I have had the privilege of granting 16 people that chance, in addition to the 27 granted before my tenure as Attorney-General.

“I encourage every Bermudian who qualifies to take the next step and apply.

“This Government is committed to fairness, rehabilitation and ensuring that people who have earned a second chance can receive it.”

Ms Wilkerson urged those who may qualify to collect an application form from www.gov.bm or the Attorney-General’s chambers.

People who complete and submit an application form should receive an acknowledgement of receipt, after which the Attorney-General’s chambers will review the applicant’s criminal record to determine if they meet the criteria for expungement.