In a landmark vote on October 8th, the island community of Caye Caulker decisively rejected a proposal to legalize cannabis. The referendum drew strong participation, with 857 ballots cast out of 1,454 registered voters. According to Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai, 79 percent voted “No,” while only 176 voted in favor of the measure.
The referendum marked a historic moment for Caye Caulker, known for its laid-back charm and close-knit community. The proposal aimed to allow the Government of Belize to create a regulated and taxable cannabis industry on Caye Caulker, with some of the revenue benefiting local residents. However, the majority of voters were not convinced that such a plan would serve the island’s best interests.
Village Councillor Ilya Rosado, who led the “Yes” campaign, launched the initiative on September 22nd after collecting more than 380 signatures—well above the threshold needed to trigger a local referendum. Rosado argued that legalizing cannabis on Caye Caulker could bring new funding for schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation, while also boosting tourism. Despite his optimism, most islanders remained skeptical.
“This community needs development, but not from weed money,” Wade said. “We need real investments that strengthen Caye Caulker through tourism and sustainable growth.” Other community leaders echoed his sentiment, emphasizing that unity and integrity are more valuable than short-term financial gains.
Councillor Tracie Young praised residents for their solidarity, saying the results showed that Hicaqueños value what makes Caye Caulker unique. Councillor Sergio Marin added that legalizing marijuana would not solve the island’s economic challenges. Local resident Celina Jimenez, a supporter of the Hope Not Dope campaign, thanked her neighbors for standing up for their children and their future. “Thank you, Caye Caulker spoke loud and clear,” she said.
Area Representative Hon. Andre Perez respected both sides, acknowledging that while Rosado’s intentions were good, the people of Caye Caulker made their choice democratically. Voting took place at the Caye Caulker Roman Catholic Primary School, where turnout reached an impressive 79 percent—higher than during the last general election.
As the dust settles, residents are already discussing future initiatives to ensure Caye Caulker retains more local revenue for community projects. While the cannabis proposal failed, the referendum has strengthened civic engagement and reaffirmed the island’s spirit of unity.
