GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF BELIZE RECOGNIZED FOR LEADERSHIP IN OFFSHORE OIL BAN

PRIME MINISTER BARROW ACCEPTS AWARD IN WORLD OCEANS DAY CELEBRATION CEREMONY

As part of national activities commemorating World Oceans Day 2018, Oceana in Belize and the Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage officially recognized the Government and people of Belize for their collective leadership in establishing the world’s first indefinite moratorium against offshore oil. The Ocean Champion award was formally presented to Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Dean Barrow during ceremonies in Belize City on Saturday, June 9th, 2018.

In presenting the award, Oceana’s Vice President for Belize, Janelle Chanona, emphasized that the significance of the

moratorium cannot be overstated, given the daily dependence of tens of thousands of Belizeans on healthy marine resources. “We are world leaders,” said Chanona. “We are proudly loving and protecting the tens of thousands of Belizeans who depend on our world-renowned marine resources. This decision reflects the reality that we may be small but we are strong. And will continue to ensure that this law inspires others to follow the exemplary leadership of the Government and people of Belize.”

In accepting the award, Prime Minister Barrow acknowledged both citizenry and civil society in Belize’s historic decision to safeguard marine assets from the inevitable destruction of offshore oil. “I’m grateful at being honored by Oceana in Belize in recognition of Government’s role in passing the legislation banning offshore oil exploration in our country. Let me say right off the bat though, that while the particular step with respect to banning offshore oil exploration in our country

is extremely important, it is of course, just one step. As the speakers before have made clear, ocean conservation is an ongoing exercise necessitating the deployment of constant vigilance and a toolbox updated as required in view of the continuing challenges. I also want to quote Mahatma Gandhi, who famously said “If the people lead, the leaders will follow”,” Right Honorable Prime Minister Dean Barrow.

The closing remarks of the ceremony were delivered by fifteen-year-old Wavemaker Sofia Reyes of E. P. Yorke High

School who had this message for Belizean leaders: “Your legacy has guaranteed that my future can include healthy marine resources. Thanks to you they are safe from the inherent threats of this dirty and dangerous industry. Together our voices are roaring through the corridors of power and will echo through time. From my generation to yours, thank you for safeguarding my right to have nature inspire wonder and awe in me.”

The Petroleum Operations (Offshore Zone Moratorium) law, which indefinitely prohibits offshore oil exploration and

drilling everywhere Belize exercises maritime jurisdiction, became law on December 31st 2017. Since it was enacted,

Oceana has referred to it as “The People’s Law” because it has been the unwavering position of the Belizean people that

the risks associated with offshore oil is simply too great; any “benefit” is short term and the damage to quality of life,

job and food security is irrevocable.

Big deal over very little really. Its only a moratorium. A reserve can be dereserved at any time. Our PM has in speeches has said he does not care about the UNESCO designation of the reef. So that is who is in charge.