So as you heard, the Minister of New Growth Industries is fundamentally against a referendum. On the flip side of that coin, the Opposition UDP says that the only way to settle this matter decisively is with a referendum. They insist that it would quell any lingering doubt in the public mind about what Belizeans really want when it comes to marijuana legalization.
Of course, skeptics are questioning whether or not they're pandering to the churches and other social partner groups who are calling for a referendum. Interestingly, back in 2017 when the Barrow Administration was in office, they received big pushback and resistance from the churches who kept pointing out that the decriminalization of 10 grams of marijuana would contribute to the country's moral decay.
But, on full legalization, they have become unlikely allies? In a zoom interview from today, the press asked UDP Senator Michael Peyrefitte what's up with that? Here's his response:
Senator Michael Peyrefitte - Chairman, UDP
"Opinions vary long and wide when it comes to the issue of marijuana. There are some of us in the party who are strongly for it. There are some of us who are strongly against it. There are some who say yes, with certain conditions. There are some who say nor would certain conditions. And the differences of opinion within the party are the same, basically, as they are within the country. And the leadership of the party decided that we needed to put to our sub-leadership whether or not it would be sensible for us to go to a referendum on such a huge issue. And so, we had a central executive meeting last night, and we did a circulation with the National Party Council today. And it was overwhelming support for the matter to be put to a vote, for the people to decide whether or not they wanted to proceed with the legalization of marijuana. Nothing settles issues better than elections. And when we are so deeply divided, then you take it to the people. The will of the people is always supreme over anything. So, when you have a situation in which are so deeply divided, let the people decide."
Reporter
"The administration, which you were a part of, was by and large responsible for the decriminalization of marijuana in Belize as it stands now. But all of a sudden, we are hearing from the UDP that perhaps a referendum is the way to go. How would you respond to those criticisms, sir?"
Senator Michael Peyrefitte
"I would say whoever is criticizing us is talking foolishness because what is being attempted now is completely different from what we did. What we did was like a Cuban wet foot, dry foot policy. If you're able to have it in your possession, ten grams or less, and you're smoking it in the privacy of your home or the privacy of somebody else's home away from children, we said that was a middle ground. And, given the fact that people do smoke marijuana, and people do it with marijuana, it was as far as we could go on a first step. But we took it as far as we knew we could be a problem for the rest of the economy. The PUP wants to take it to another level, and I think that the public needs to be aware of that before we agree to a law that transcends by far what we did. So, the criticism that we are asking for a referendum for the same thing that we did, that's an ill-informed position."
We also asked Opposition Leader Shyne Barrow for a comment, and via WhatsApp, he told us quote, "I continue to support the legalization of Marijuana as a matter of social justice, citizen security, and economic viability while supporting the churches' call for a referendum so that the people can decide in the name of Democracy.
I will vote YES to Marijuana legalization in a referendum as I believe the majority of Belizeans will…
I respect Belizeans with differing positions on the matter which is why I accept the call by the churches for a referendum, however, I feel strongly in favor of abolishing the draconian laws prohibiting marijuana use and commerce.
I feel strongly about reversing the irreparable harm done to so many who have been scarred by the criminal justice system for use or commerce.
I [also] feel strongly about the economic development that the multi-billion marijuana industry will bring to Belize which will alleviate poverty and protect our children from the real threat which is lack of financing for education, business, and job creation."
