Belize Rejects Legalisation
Of the votes, 678 were against & only 176 in favour
In a historic vote, residents of Caye Caulker, Belize, rejected the proposal to legalize cannabis on the island. This decision ended a chance for new revenue and infrastructure development. With an impressive turnout, 79% of voters said "No," giving a strong win to the conservative 'Hope Not Dope' movement. The community missed the opportunity to become like Jamaica.
The October 8 vote showed that conservative values and fear of change won over a chance for economic growth. Of the votes cast, 678 were against and only 176 were in favor. The residents decided not to accept a "responsible, regulated, and taxable" cannabis industry.
A High Turnout
The debate over legalization energized the community, leading to a remarkable turnout. A total of 79% of registered voters (857 out of 1,454) participated. This turnout validates the result and shows how much the topic motivated people, even more than the previous General Election in March 2025.
The data confirms that the "No" vote was a strong and informed decision.
The poll took place at the Caye Caulker Roman Catholic Primary School. As the voting went on, the turnout showed the community's opposition to legalization.
A Missed Opportunity for Growth
Village Councillor Ilya Rosado led the campaign for legalization. His plan was not just to legalize cannabis but to use the new tax revenue to help the island.
Rosado and his team shared a vision of education, transparency, and empowerment. They argued that regulating cannabis, including medical marijuana, could raise vital funds for schools, healthcare, infrastructure improvements (like a new sewer system), and create more jobs and tourism.
In a place with limited resources, as recognized by Area Representative Andre Perez, legalization could have been a practical way to become self-sufficient and improve living standards. Unfortunately, this progressive idea hit resistance.
The Moral Victory
The strong "No" vote was celebrated as a "moral victory" by the Hope Not Dope movement, led by Pastor Louis Wade Jr. The message was that Caye Caulker should not rely on "drug money," but on "tourism money."
This view, which ignores the benefits of taxing a regulated industry for a nostalgic moral stance, swayed most voters.
Religious leaders and supporters of the "No" vote welcomed the outcome. They dedicated their win to God and stressed the importance of sticking to traditional values. Councilman Sergio Marin stated, "A legal marijuana industry is not the solution to the island's challenges."
Supporter Celina Jimenez explained, "We came here for our children and our community," linking legalization to potential harm for future generations. As a result, Caye Caulker ignored a chance for new revenue to fix its infrastructure and relied entirely on the unstable tourism industry.
However, this situation has drawn national attention. Organisers of the "No" campaign are now calling for a nationwide vote, and some residents are considering another local vote to secure more revenue. For now, Caye Caulker has lost its chance to become a leader in establishing a regulated and tax-benefiting cannabis industry.
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Caye Caulker Island Votes in Groundbreaking Cannabis Referendum
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Liz Filmer
