Caye Caulker Resident Says Cannabis Revenue Could Fix Island’s Infrastructure

Voters in Caye Caulker continue to trickle into polling area 34 to cast their decision. One voter, Daniel Novelo, says his support for legalising cannabis is rooted in hope for the island’s youth and community development.

“My personal vote, why I’m voting yes, is because I am looking at the younger generation, the youth. Seeing what the proposal is and understanding what the proposal is,” he said. “When it comes to the tax part, that is going to be staying here on the island to use for the schools.”

He said that revenue from the cannabis industry could help fix local issues. “If you take a look at most of the streets here, there are a lot of holes,” he said. “Even the schools need a lot of work done.”

Meanwhile, “Vote No” supporters have argued that this may not be the case. Long-time resident Celina Fuentes, who is leading the ‘Hope Not Dope’ campaign, remains opposed to the proposal. She warns that street sales would not disappear, despite legalisation.

With 1,454 registered voters, turnout is expected to increase around midday and before polls close at 6 p.m.