And another UDP Senator - the one from Belize Rural South - spoke about next week's referendum on that island. Though the UDP is the party which first decriminalized marijuana possession in 2015 - they have profound misgivings about next week's referendum:
Gabriel Zetina, UDP Senator
"Knowingly that this will have national implications, we cannot create a kingdom within the kingdom. If decisions can impact an entire nation, so the nation should also be consulted. Second, the banking question. For years Belize has relied on correspondent banking, like US intermediary banks. What provisions will ensure that, also what provisions will ensure that revenues coming from the cannabis do not jeopardize the relationships we have with these banks."
"It's not only about Caye Caulker, but for the entire country of Belize. Thirdly, youth protection and marketing exposure. If this passes, our young people will be exposed, not only as - the way they project it is that this will be marketed only to tourism."
"But I refuse to accept that. I also think that this will expose, will be exposed to our local and to our youths. It's bound to happen. I tell you as a business, their ultimate goal will be to maximize revenue, maximize profits."
