BELMOPAN, Belize– Prime Minister John Briceno has hinted at the possibility of a “people’s referendum” being held before the passage of legislation legalizing the use of minor uses of marijuana even as he maintained that those behind the referendum had ample time to make known their views on the matter.
The people’s referendum is being spearheaded by the churches here. The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has called on the government to stage countrywide consultations on the matter.
The unions are also calling on the Briceno government to conduct a referendum saying, “in a democracy, the people have a voice, so let the people’s voices be heard.
Under the Referendum Act, chapter 10 of the Laws of Belize, a referendum may be triggered when a petition receives the signatures of 10 percent of the voting population or 18 669 votes in that case as it stands now.
Media reports indicate that the churches seem to have gained momentum in their bid to push for a referendum.
Briceno has said while he respects the views of the churches, “they had adequate, enough time to tell us…what they wanted.
“We had extensive consultation with everyone, including the churches, indoor and public and private. And for them to say now that they want to have a referendum, we have to respect their views,” he added.
Possession or use of 10 grams or less on private premises was decriminalized in November 2017. Cabinet has already approved revised legislation that will provide for the control and licensing of the cannabis industry and establish the necessary legislative framework to govern and regulate the cultivation, processing, distribution, and delivery of cannabis products for adult use only.
The call for a people’s referendum has gained the support of the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), with the party’s chairman and former attorney general, Michael Peyrefitte, saying, however, that the party’s views on the issue do not entirely align with those of the churches.
“We agree with the churches in terms of one narrow issue. We agree with the church that you should have a referendum. “Peyrefitte told Channel 5 News earlier this month.
Late last month, Roman Catholic priest, Father John Robinson, issued a pre-recorded statement warning that legalization of the cultivation, use, and sale of marijuana is akin to “clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs.”
The priest is predicting that passage of the legislation will “negatively affect Belize shortly” and that “this bill would legalize the growth, production, distribution, and sale of marijuana throughout the entire country of Belize.
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