The people of Caye Caulker have made their voices heard, and the message is clear. In a local referendum held on the island, residents overwhelmingly voted against the legalization of marijuana, marking a decisive victory for the “Hope Not Dope” campaign. Out of 857 ballots cast, representing a 58.94% voter turnout, 678 voters (79.11%) said “No” to the legalization of marijuana, while 176 (20.54%) voted in favor. Three ballots were rejected.
The referendum asked whether the Government of Belize should move forward with legislation to establish a regulated cannabis industry, with a share of the revenue earmarked for the island and its people. The “No” result means the initiative will not advance under the current proposal.
The Campaign Against Marijuana
The campaign against the legalization, led by local church leaders and community members, framed the issue as one of morality rather than economics. Church Senator Louis Wade emphasized that position, stating, “This is a moral issue, not a money issue.” Wade noted that four island pastors and concerned residents joined forces to advocate against marijuana legalization, describing the outcome as a victory for faith and family values.
Legalize it Caye Caulker Facebook
Following the results, several pastors expressed gratitude, dedicating the win to God and describing the island as a community filled with “God’s people.” They also stressed the importance of maintaining unity among residents moving forward. With this vote, Caye Caulker has taken a firm stand, signaling that, for now, the island’s future remains rooted in a message of caution, unity, and shared values.
