Exactly 4 years ago, tens of thousands of Belizeans took part in what was billed as "The People's Referendum" on offshore oil exploration. 96% of the nearly 29 thousand voters were against offshore oil exploration.
It was only a symbolic gesture, since the referendum had no binding effect on government, but the message was clear - and, in time, the government has cooled off on the prospect of offshore drilling.
Still, annually during reef week, Oceana takes this time to remember that accomplishment. Belize Vice President Janelle Chanona told us why it is important for them to keep remembering this day.
Janelle Chanona, VP Oceana Belize
"I think certainty we all as a people need to pause on February 29th to acknowledge just such a dramatic out-pouring and demonstration of democracy and healthy democracy and seeing a way forward in terms of a process that allows all of us a participatory role, allows our voices to be heard whether we all agree or we choose points to disagree on."
Daniel Ortiz
"How important is this for OCEANA Belize, this People's Referendum? The only thing arguable it did was to show to the government that this issue is something important to Belizeans, but it was not binding."
Janelle Chanona, VP Oceana Belize
"Agreed. I think Daniel although as you said the results were not binding. I think they were dramatic in terms of what the result showed. More than 96% of the country saying that they had very strong opposition to offshore oil activities. I think when you realize and you covered elections where there is political machinery and the months of active campaigning, you realize just the amount of work that goes into it. So, that the conservation community and tourism stakeholders and fishing stakeholders came together and organized this event and people came out and voted. People stood in the line before the polls open at 6am knowing that exactly there was no binding mechanisms in place for the government to follow those results. But still making sure that their voices were heard and I think that goes a long way in saying how Belizean feel about this issue. 2) They were able to have their voices being heard so loudly and any politician will tell you that counts for a lot."
In December 2015 the government handed down a moratorium to ban offshore oil drilling but only in World Heritage sites. It was a huge milestone achieved for conservation groups who had been pushing the matter. Nevertheless the campaign to get a permanent and universal ban continues.
Email
Print