High Stakes on Caye Caulker as Weed Referendum Nears

The Elections and Boundaries Department has announced that a referendum will be held in Caye Caulker Village on October 8, 2025. Residents of the Belize Rural South Electoral Division will vote on whether the Government of Belize should pass legislation to establish a responsible, regulated, and taxable legal cannabis industry on the island.

The question: “Should the Government of Belize pass legislation to create a responsible, regulated, and taxable legal cannabis industry on the island of Caye Caulker, with a portion of the revenue going directly for the benefit of Caye Caulker and its residents?”

The proposal includes a provision for a portion of the revenue to directly benefit Caye Caulker and its residents. Voting will take place at the Caye Caulker R.C. School from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with vote counting beginning immediately after the polls close.

In connection with the referendum, the Elections and Boundaries Department has issued a public notice outlining several offences under the Representation of the People Act. These include restrictions on the sale of intoxicating liquor on referendum day, requiring licensed premises to remain closed until midnight. Employers are also mandated to allow employees reasonable time to vote without penalty or deduction in pay.

Election officers face penalties for misconduct such as falsifying records, obstructing voters, or mishandling ballots. Bribery and undue influence are strictly prohibited, with severe penalties for offering money, gifts, or employment to sway votes. Voters are also warned against accepting such inducements.

Additional offences include publishing false statements about candidates, tampering with ballot papers or boxes, and disrupting public meetings. The law also prohibits unauthorised printing or distribution of ballot forms and mandates strict secrecy during voting and vote counting. Violators may face fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the nature of the offence.

Returning Officer Anthony Mai signed the official notice on September 12, 2025, urging all eligible voters to participate responsibly and in accordance with the law. The referendum represents a significant moment for Caye Caulker, with potential economic and social implications for the island’s future.