By Khaila Gentle

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. May 5, 2022

The United Democratic Party held a press conference on Wednesday to address several pressing issues currently affecting the country. During the press conference, UDP leader Hon. Moses “Shyne” Barrow reiterated his stance on the legalization of marijuana, but also stated that the views within the party, at least when it comes to the recent push for a referendum by the Church, vary from person to person—something which he has no problem with.

Barrow’s comments were made after he was asked what he thought about the fact that Denny Grijalva, the UDP caretaker of the Orange Walk Central division, was one of the religious leaders present at Belize House for the church leaders’ submission of petition signatures to the Governor-General on Tuesday. Grijalva, who is reportedly a pastor, had told 7News that he garnered several thousand signatures for the petition—all belonging to UDP supporters in agreement with the call for a referendum.

In regards to Grijalva’s key role in the gathering of signatures to trigger the referendum, Barrow said that he has no qualms with such involvement by a UDP caretaker in the referendum process:

“As far as the referendum is concerned, the United Democratic Party did offer our support for the churches, if it is in fact that they feel that the way to decide this pressing matter was through a referendum. I personally support legalization of marijuana, but the United Democratic Party is not monolithic; we are not homogenous; we have a diverse pool of people and personalities and beliefs, and I believe this is an issue where there is room for distinct opinions and beliefs and so I have no difficulty with Mr. Grijalva participating in his passion for a referendum,” he said.

When asked what he thought of the fact that the Church has reached such a pivotal point in their push for a referendum, Hon. Barrow said that, if a referendum is held, he would continue to campaign for a “yes” vote for the legalization of marijuana. He also noted, however, that all the leaders of the party are free to make a decision on whatever they feel is best based on their own values. 

A Cabinet brief released on Thursday acknowledged the Church’s recent submission of petition signatures in order to begin the process of issuing a writ of referendum. According to the brief, the signatures will now be vetted by the Elections and Boundaries Department.

“Cabinet is committed to continuing to shepherd the process with respect for all concerned and considers this an inspiring and encouraging part of Belize’s democratic system. Cabinet remains confident that in the end the right and best decisions will be made as a country,” the brief further stated.

The UDP press conference was led by Hon. “Shyne” Barrow alongside UDP chairman Michael Peyrefitte, and newly instated senators Beverly Williams and Anthony “Tony” Hererra. Several shadow ministers were also present.

Other areas of discussion were the country’s current crime situation and the Prime Minister’s recent intervention in an enforcement procedure being carried out by the Forestry Department on the premises of the owner of Botanical Garden by Roselyn, Diani Chan.