Posted: Wednesday, October 8, 2025. 5:59 pm CST.
By Aaron Humes: Almost 800 of Caye Caulker and Caye Chapel voters have cast ballots in the cannabis referendum being held on the island today.
According to the Elections and Boundaries Department’s voter turnout online map, 54.95 percent of voters, or 798 have cast votes, with a chance of at least 60 percent turnout before the polls close at 6 p.m.
Reports from the island suggest no direct confrontations but there have been charges lobbed back and forth about alleged paying for votes; both sides deny it, although Councilor Ilya Rosado told KREM News that he has accepted help with volunteers for his campaign from Minister Kareem Musa. He also acknowledged that some asked for transport to the island and to the polling station – but most of his voters prefer to come out themselves.
Village Chair Seleny Villanueva Pott initially supported the yes side, but acknowledged she voted no today, saying she had a “change of heart” because of concerns about how the proposal would work. She says she maintains respect for Councilor Rosado and her Council has not been divided on the issue.
Area Representative Andre Perez has not come down either way but notes some of his campaigners are active on both sides.
The question to be answered yes or no is, “Should the Government of Belize pass legislation to create a responsible, regulated, and taxable legal cannabis industry on the island of Caye Caulker with a portion of the revenue going directly for the benefit of Caye Caulker and its residents?”
There are 3 polling stations at the Caye Caulker Roman Catholic School. Counting will take place at the same location, with expected completion by 10:00 p.m. The referendum will cost $172,000, funded by the Government of Belize. A simple majority is needed, with no need for a runoff.
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The post Turnout passes 50 percent in Caye Caulker cannabis referendum appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, October 8, 2025. 5:59 pm CST. By Aaron Humes: Almost 800 of Caye Caulker and Caye Chapel voters have cast ballots in the cannabis
The post Turnout passes 50 percent in Caye Caulker cannabis referendum appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.