Posted: Tuesday, October 7, 2025. 7:48 pm CST.
By Aaron Humes: The National Evangelical Association of Belize has voiced significant concerns regarding the scheduled Caye Caulker referendum effort to legalize marijuana, which they believe poses serious risks to public safety and governance in Belize.
In a statement issued today, the NEAB said that in April 2022, the collective Church initiated a referendum process around the issue of marijuana legalization, successfully gathering 23,000 signatures from registered voters in three weeks. Despite this, the government stated it lacked the funds to hold a nationwide referendum, assuring the Church that any movement on the issue would only proceed with a national vote.
However, alarm has been raised among clergy and community leaders, as the government is now pushing forward with a localized referendum in Caye Caulker based on just 350 names. They accuse the Minister of Police, Kareem Musa, who also serves as the Minister of New Growth Industries, of overstepping his bounds by advocating for legalization while misrepresenting the Church’s position.
“This is a blatant conflict of interest when the Minister responsible for policing and reducing crime is actively promoting marijuana, a substance tied to gangs and turf wars,” the National Evangelical Association statement claimed. They emphasized fears of escalating violence and criminal activity, citing a worrying trend of increasing gang-related conflicts and weapons violence across Belize City, which they attribute in part to the drug trade.
Highlighting the Minister’s own admissions about rising marijuana imports and consumption, the Church expressed concerns over proposals for a cash-based, “off the books” marijuana market, warning that this could attract criminal organizations, further exacerbating Belize’s challenges with drug-related crime.
The Church also raised alarms about potential consequences for Belize’s international standing in financial compliance. In January 2025, Belize scored a commendable 38 out of 40 in adherence to international anti-money laundering standards. The Church warns that legalizing marijuana could jeopardize this standing, threatening vital banking relationships and leading to “de-risking” from international partners.
“Strong families produce strong individuals, which produce strong communities, which in turn establish a strong nation,” another spokesperson declared, urging citizens to reject what they deem the “delusional promises” from politicians seeking to profit from increased drug use.
The upcoming referendum on October 8, 2025, is poised to draw significant attention both locally and nationally, as Belize grapples with the complex interplay between drug policy, crime rates, and governance. The National Evangelical Association remains steadfast in its call for a nationwide referendum, ensuring that all voices are heard before making decisions that profoundly affect the nation’s future.
As the date approaches, all eyes will be on Caye Caulker, where residents and officials prepare to navigate the contentious debate over marijuana legalization amidst rising concerns about crime and public safety.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
Comments
More Belize News:
The post Caye Caulker cannabis referendum: Evangelical Association issues concerns over crime and governance appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, October 7, 2025. 7:48 pm CST. By Aaron Humes: The National Evangelical Association of Belize has voiced significant concerns regarding the scheduled Caye Caulker
The post Caye Caulker cannabis referendum: Evangelical Association issues concerns over crime and governance appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
