Posted: Wednesday, October 8, 2025. 11:29 am CST.
By Belize Live News Staff: The National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) has condemned the government’s decision to move forward with a referendum on marijuana legalization in Caye Caulker, calling it a betrayal of promises made to the Belizean people.
According to NEAB, the government had pledged in 2022 not to advance marijuana legislation without first holding a national referendum, after church leaders collected over 23,000 verified voter signatures to trigger one. The Church says the new Caye Caulker vote, based on only 350 signatures, shows a disregard for national consultation and transparency.
NEAB also criticized what it described as a conflict of interest involving the Minister of Police, who also heads New Growth Industries, the entity promoting marijuana expansion. The association said this dual role compromises the integrity of law enforcement and public safety, noting that marijuana has been a key factor in gang-related violence and rising crime.
“We are now witnessing what we warned about: drug-related shootings, cartel activity, and an increase in automatic weapons on our streets,” NEAB said. “Marijuana is at the root of much of the violence plaguing Belize City.”
The organization also raised concerns about the financial risks of creating a cash-based marijuana market, warning that it could expose Belize to illicit transactions and money laundering. NEAB referenced Belize’s 38/40 compliance score from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force, stressing that marijuana legalization could endanger the country’s credibility in international banking.
NEAB concluded its statement by urging Belizeans to remain vigilant and prayerful, emphasizing that “strong families build strong nations” and warning against “delusional promises from politicians seeking to profit from drug expansion.”
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The post Church slams Government over marijuana vote, warns of rising crime and financial risk appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, October 8, 2025. 11:29 am CST. By Belize Live News Staff: The National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) has condemned the government’s decision to
The post Church slams Government over marijuana vote, warns of rising crime and financial risk appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.