标签： Belize

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) has issued a stern warning to the public regarding the illegal importation and sale of unregistered or expired veterinary products and animal feed. The Authority has recently uncovered instances where individuals have sought donations of expired veterinary medications from international sources. Additionally, unregistered online businesses have been found selling unauthorized veterinary drugs, pesticides, biologics (including vaccines), hygiene products, and animal feed.

The National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) has voiced significant apprehensions regarding the forthcoming Caye Caulker Referendum on marijuana legalization. The Church contends that the government’s decision to proceed with a local vote contradicts its prior commitment to conduct a national referendum first. This development follows a historic grassroots effort in April 2022, when NEAB mobilized to gather 23,000 registered voter signatures in just three weeks—a record for Belize—to initiate a nationwide vote on the issue. At the time, the government cited financial constraints as the reason for delaying the referendum, pledging that no action would be taken without a national mandate. NEAB argues that the current local referendum, driven by a mere 350 signatures, violates this promise. The Church has also criticized the involvement of the Minister of Police, who oversees both law enforcement and New Growth Industries, including the promotion of marijuana legalization. NEAB labeled this dual role as a “blatant conflict of interest,” emphasizing the link between marijuana and escalating gang violence and crime in Belize City. The Church reiterated its 2022 warnings about drug-related violence and cartel activity, pointing to the recent surge in automatic weapon use on the streets. NEAB further highlighted the Minister’s acknowledgment of increased marijuana imports, consumption, and gang conflicts. Additionally, the Church cautioned that a cash-based marijuana market could foster illicit activities and money laundering, potentially jeopardizing Belize’s robust international banking reputation. In January 2025, Belize achieved a 38 out of 40 score for adherence to AML/CFT/CPF standards from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force—a credibility NEAB fears could be undermined by legalization. The Church concluded with a call for societal vigilance, stating, ‘Strong families produce strong individuals, strong communities, and a strong nation. May God help us wake up from delusional promises by politicians seeking to benefit from increased drug use.’

A groundbreaking proposal for Caye Caulker, Belize, suggests that legalizing and regulating cannabis production and sales could generate over $10 million in annual tax revenues, positioning the island as a pivotal hub for the nation’s cannabis industry. Conservative estimates indicate that local consumption alone could yield $413,000 annually, based on a price of $6.75 per gram plus tax. With a quarter of the island’s 2,729 residents consuming 10 grams three times weekly, total annual consumption would reach 979,200 grams. Tourism further amplifies this potential, as approximately 17,000 overnight visitors consuming at the same rate could contribute an additional $74,266.87 yearly. The proposal envisions Caye Caulker as the central point for all legally produced, tested, and sold cannabis in Belize. If just one-eighth of the national population—around 52,463 people—consumed cannabis at this rate, the country could earn an extra $10 million in tax revenues annually. However, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City–Belmopan has voiced strong opposition, citing moral and spiritual concerns. The Church warns that legalization could normalize drug use, harm youth, damage families, threaten public health, and undermine tourism. The referendum, scheduled for October 8, will determine the island’s path forward.