Low Turnout Marks Caye Caulker Cannabis Vote

On the island of Caye Caulker, residents headed to the polls, but not in droves. With voter turnout hovering around forty-five percent around three o’clock this afternoon, Area Representative Andre Perez urged islanders to make their voices heard. The local referendum on cannabis is a topic that’s sparked national debate, political hesitation, and a fair share of voter fatigue. As the ballots were cast, one thing was clear: the outcome tonight could shape not just local policy, but the broader conversation on cannabis in Belize.

 

Andre Perez, Area Representative, Belize Rural South

“The latest I’m getting right now is about forty-five percent which is roughly about six hundred and sixty people have cast their votes. Compared to the other elections, it’s a bit slow. I don’t know what you’d attribute… the factors could be election fatigue. Remember last year was the general elections, then you had the village council, which was very, very intense. So, it could be a factor as well. And then there could be the other factor that, you know, apathy. We don’t really see the importance in it. But I’m just reaching out, as everybody should exercise their right to go out and vote. It’s a privilege.”

 

Britney Gordon

“So, some members of the government have been split in their opinions of it. Some have shown strong support for it, such as our New Growth Industries Minister. Others have sort of thought that it should be taken to a national vote. What is your opinion on this referendum?”

 

Andre Perez

“Well, first of all, I don’t want to say that there’s a split. I think there’s a general agreement to say, “Listen, we as a government, we have to let things take its place.” We respect it, it’s enshrined in the constitution and it happens to be Caye Caulker. We must remain impartial and let the voters speak and whatever the outcome we must respect it.”