ROOTS singer Kiddus-I caused proverbial tongue-wagging on Monday during the symbolic planting of a ganja tree at the University of the West Indies.

As dignitaries including Justice Minister Mark Golding planted a ganja seedling to mark the launch of a research centre at the UWI, the lanky Rastafarian lit a spliff and blew smoke in the air.

“It was spontaneous, the spirit came in an’ I decided to light a spliff an’ celebrate ’cause it was an historic occasion,” said Kiddus-I.

The 70-year-old artiste attended the event as a long-time advocate for the ‘use of herbs in different forms’. He is a member of Timeless Herbal Care, whose president/CEO Courtney Betty was also at the function.

The planting signaled the UWI’s foray into ganja research through its Cannabis Research Group.

On April 15, Golding announced amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act which partially decriminalise small amounts of ganja for recreational, religious or medical use.

Under the new act, persons with two ounces of ganja face a small fine. They can no longer be arrested or charged by police which would result in a criminal record.

Kiddus-I, who says he first smoked ganja at age 15, welcomes the changes he has fought for since the early 1970s.

“I see hope on the horizon…I think things will level off in the next three years,” he reasoned.

Born Frank Dowding, Kiddus-I was an integral part of the 1970s roots-reggae movement in Jamaica. He was among the stars of the 1978 movie Rockers which featured Graduation in Zion, his best known song.

His latest album, Take a Trip, was recently released.