02/10/2025
Let's stop dividing each other simply because we have different opinions. Let's have a healthy discussion on this issue to resolve it together, whether it's regulated or not.
Ilya and Goliath
In exactly one week, Caye Caulker Village Councillor Ilya Rosado will face the challenge of a lifetime.
Ilya is firm in his belief that it is only through the regulation of a cannabis industry that the island community has the opportunity to bring structure, safety, and rules to an already existing illegal market.
āThis is not about me, but about putting in place rules that ensure that cannabis stays out of the hands of children, that you need be 21 to qualify for an ID to purchase cannabis and that you can have peace of mind in knowing that what you are consuming has been tested and labeledā.
Unlike the rest of the world where churches have remained neutral in the legalization of this medicinal plant, Belize stands alone as the only country where an evangelical pastor has brought down āreligious pressureā on other village councillors to publish their position against Ilya though they actually support regulation.
One failed political aspirant and her husband (who is a known user of the green leafy vegetable) have also come out against the regulation after she lost her bid to be Chairlady. In what has to be the most absurd argument yet, the failed politician declared that regulating the cannabis industry would cause a gang turf war.
Responding to the obvious attempt at fear mongering, Ilya said āhave you ever seen a turf war between Cuellos and Travellers? How about Marlboro vs Benson and Hedges? Turf wars exist precisely because there is an illegal market and very soon, if we do not regulate the industry, Caye Caulker can end up just like Belize City where a war is being waged primarily over cannabisā.
When asked whether he is concerned about the councillors posting their new-found stance against regulation, Ilya said āthat is expected. Politics is tough and the pressure from the church is real. But Iām not too bothered because I know that regulation is the way to go. Even if it is only a million dollars a year that goes back into the community, I know that we will have better streets, cleaner beaches, a modern school and healthcare facility; but most of all we will keep cannabis away from our childrenā.
If one thing is certain, no matter the outcome of the referendum on October 8th, Ilya has demonstrated that he has the heart of a lion and love and passion for his island like no other.
