Response to the Coalition of Sustainable Fisheries and Oceana

Hon. Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation:

The Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, Hon. Andre Perez, through this medium categorically refutes the allegations of the Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries and Oceana in their press release which states that the Ministry of Blue Economy is refusing to meet with concerned fishers or that it is seeking to change the Statutory Instrument 158 of 2020 passed 5th of November 2020 which banned the use of gillnets.

The Minister finds it imperative to inform the nation and all concerned that the Belize Fishermen’s Cooperatives Association has filed a law suit against the Minister of Blue Economy on the basis of a decision that was made by the former Minister of Fisheries, Omar Figueroa on the 5th of November, 2020.

In response to this lawsuit that landed on the Minister’s desk just a few days after assuming office, the Minister and his team at the Ministry of Blue Economy sought the legal support of the Attorney General's Ministry. It was only prudent to receive proper guidance from legal representatives before engaging in discussions with any interested party. This was especially important as Minister Perez, just assuming office, was not privy to all the details of the process that had eventually led to such decision.

The Ministry hereby states to all involved and concerned that we are open to having discussions with Oceana and the Coalition but expresses its disappointment that they have hastily drawn conclusions and engaged in casting aspersions. While the Ministry is open to discuss, it also expects that both organizations will also be prepared to commit to working with the Ministry of Blue Economy in putting in place proper management, oversight and programmes in relation to any arrangements made with all fishers to ensure their social protection and the long term sustainability of our aquatic resources.

The Ministry of the Blue Economy is being soundly built on a foundation of inclusivity, fairness and transparency. Any efforts to unfairly attack the integrity on which we are founded will not be taken lightly and will be challenged vehemently every step of the way.

Minister of Blue Economy Comments on Joint Press Release Regarding Gillnet Ban

Hon. Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, categorically refutes the allegations made by the Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries and Oceana Belize in their joint press release dated March 16, 2021, and titled “Lobby by Illegal Gillnetters Threatens Gillnet Ban”.

The press release alleges that the Ministry of Blue Economy is refusing to meet with licensed Belizean fishers and is seeking to change Statutory Instrument No. 158, passed November 5, 2020, which bans the use of gillnets.

Minister Perez finds it imperative to inform the nation and all concerned that the Belize Fishermen Cooperatives Association filed a lawsuit against the Minister of Blue Economy on the basis of a decision made by Omar Figueroa, former Minister of Fisheries.

The lawsuit landed on the Minister’s desk just a few days after assuming office. In response, Minister Perez sought the legal support of the Attorney General's Ministry. It was prudent to receive proper guidance from legal representatives before engaging in discussions with any interested party. This guidance was especially important as Minister Perez, upon assuming office, was not privy to all the details of the process that eventually led to the implementation of SI No. 158 of 2020.

The Ministry of Blue Economy is open to having discussions with the Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries and Oceana Belize but expresses its disappointment in the hastily drawn conclusions and aspersions cast. The Ministry expects that both organizations will commit to working with the Ministry to put in place proper management, oversight, and programmes to ensure the social protection of fishers and long-term sustainability of Belize’s aquatic resources.

The Ministry is being soundly built on a foundation of inclusivity, fairness, and transparency. Any efforts to make baseless attacks on the integrity on which the Ministry is founded will not be taken lightly and will be challenged vehemently every step of the way.