Caye Caulker Residents Split Ahead of Weed Vote

The countdown is on for Caye Caulker’s highly anticipated cannabis referendum when residents will vote to decide whether the Government of Belize should legalize a regulated and taxable marijuana industry on the island. The referendum follows a petition signed by over two hundred residents, who believe that a portion of the revenue generated from the industry can be invested back into the island. The movement has generated a buzz, as some have come forward in support of it, while others claim that the legalization of cannabis will potentially cause more harm than good. But what are the residents saying? Today, we hit the streets of Caulker to hear from the islanders how they are feeling in the week leading up to the big day. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

On Caye Caulker, there’s one topic that’s on the minds of everyone: cannabis. In just nine short days, these residents will cast their votes in Belize’s first ever cannabis referendum to decide whether the government should legalize a regulated marijuana industry. Village Councilor Ilya Rosado, who kicked off the legalization campaign, says the revenue generated from the new industry can be used to address some of Caye Caulker’s infrastructure issues. Local tour guide and island resident, Shane Eiley, is all for it, stating that a new industry may benefit residents during the slow tourism seasons.

 

Shane Eiley, Resident

“Here in Belize we have a high season. We have a slow season for tourism. When it’s slow season. Like for the legalization of marijuana in the slow season time when a lot of people don’t have anything to do, they could always. Find out what are the regulations of this thing and they could put it to use and make something off it.”

 

It took just over two hundred signatures to trigger the referendum under Belize’s Referendum Act. While supporters see economic benefits for the island, critics argue the decision should be national. Even Prime Minister John Briceño says the outcome could have wider implications.

 

Russell Reed, Resident

“At first thought I said it makes sense for them to legalize it throughout the whole country. But everybody’s saying that they want to legalize it in Caye Caulker where they can buy out the shops. But no poor people in Caye Caulker can afford a shop. So they’re just gonna be supporting getting the rich people more richer because they gonna be selling everything to the tourists. And the poor people not benefit from it. Nothing from it. So it doesn’t make sense for the thing to legalize just here, if you legalize it. They gotta legalize the whole country.”

 

Further criticizing the referendum is former Attorney General, Mike Peyrefitte. In a post on Friday, he says quote, “Last time I checked Caye Caulker is not its own country; it’s a part of an actual country: Belize. If Caye Caulker’s residents wish to legalize marijuana, their vote in a so-called referendum means absolutely nothing unless the National Assembly passes a law authorizing weed to be sold and bought in Caye Caulker. The national laws of Belize do not currently allow for the buying and selling of weed in any part of Belize, and no referendum on Caye Caulker can override the National laws.” End quote. Marvin Chimilio worries how legal distribution of marijuana will impact the youth in his community.

 

Marvin Chimillio, Resident

“I concern as long as the, as long as it still in the community and people benefit for that. But the next thing is about it. I no smoke weed myself, so it really matter me what happen, but ney have some youths weh smoke it and they affect them mentally and not pick up worse drugs and be mental ill after that. You understand? A funny decision if it makes, I say it turn out fi the best.”

 

Despite his criticism of the referendum, Peyrefitte further stated quote, “And make no mistake about it: I fully support the legalization of marijuana, but Caye Caulker doesn’t get to decide that on its own, despite how much I love Caye Caulker.” End quote. As part of the legalization effort, this Saturday, residents are hosting a volleyball tournament and informational session for youths on marijuana safety and the possible benefits of the industry to the island.

 

Jaheem Rosado, Resident

“We’re gonna be sharing a lot of the facts. When to use it, when not to use it since they’re young. We don’t want them to start from a young age, just get them up to up to date so that they know it’s here but It’s not to force them to use it.”

Eiley says that as a tour guide, he often hears visitors asking where they can purchase marijuana. He maintains that having a legal industry will keep people from purchasing cannabis illegally.

 

Shane Eiley

“Honestly, I think this is something that should have, the process should have been going on from a long time because like I said the ten grams is legal, still by that. The ten grams is legal. There’s a lot of people, there’s a lot of smokers, and they’re afraid they tend to hide and smoke. I’m not asking for it to be open oh, we could go on the street and smoke or whatever but at least you know.”

 

Some business owners raise concerns, stating that it may potentially impact the family-friendly environment of their establishments. Other businesses say that due to their outdoor layout, they are unlikely to be impacted. Chimilio is on the fence about his vote but hopes that whatever the people decide will ultimately be for the good of the island.

 

Marvin Chimilio

“I feel good but at the end of the day that the people make the decision when I know and but legalize and the marijuana. Right now, you could have ten grams on you. Police can’t lock you up and charge but they can take it away. In a way that be a good thing so that the police don’t really go knock down people door and charge and chance they, and do so much thing. You understand me?”

 

On September twelfth, the Belize Elections and Boundaries Department officially published a poll notice for the referendum, informing residents that the Caye Caulker R.C. School will be used as the polling station. Britney Gordon for News Five.