Oil prospecting raises concerns in Orange Walk

The splendor and beauty of the Lamanai Archaeological site is being threatened by a nearby dredging project believed to be a prospect for oil exploration in that fragile area. According to the Northern Tour Guide Association, members of the community are sounding alarms about the close proximity of the dredging taking place south of the Lamanai Maya site. Oil prospecting in Orange Walk is as much concern for residents and ecologists as it is for the various Nonprofit Organizations that have banded together to lobby against it.

On Tuesday, June 8th, members of the media along with BTIA members and tour guides set out to visit the scene; a 40 minute boat ride through the New River Lagoon. Long time resident of Orange Walk, Wilfredo Novelo was among the first to notice the dredging of canals taking place several months ago. “I started seeing activity like what is happening in Shipyard with the Mennonites building large barges on land and they brought a huge metal boat. When I asked what the purpose of it, they told me it was for drilling oil. In regards to who is behind it, the workers on the site that I spoke with were tight lipped and did not disclose any solid information. The artificial canals within the vast wetlands are believed to be used in the prospecting exercise. We have an obligation as Belizeans to save and secure the health of the river for our future generations.”

Errol Cadle, tour guide, expressed his anguish on the matter and stated that this will definitely affect his and Belize’s livelihood and especially ruin our fragile eco-system. “I’ve been a tour guide for most of my life, and visitors enjoy all the splendor and glory of this area. It’s rich in history and for us to suspect that the black gold is being prospected in this area leaves us with great concern; this could be a disaster. If there would be a leak it will be very catastrophic because the river flows this way. It will destroy everything in its path and the birds, wildlife and fishes will be gone. A majestic barge equipped with oil drills and an old beaten up boat named ‘Horizon Bell Florida’ were anchored on the river side. This was used to dredge the linear canals upstream, in close proximity to diverse terrestrial and riverine eco-systems that surround it. Also, the Lamanai Maya site is very close and we are greatly concerned”.

It is uncertain who or which company are behind the project. Novelo confirmed that there is only speculation about oil prospecting activities to happen in the New River Lagoon Area. The Association (NTGA) will be contacting the Department of Geology for a confirmed report and to inquire of any dispensation granted. The New River is the most historic and largest freshwater lake in Belize.

BTIA HOLDS OIL EXPLORATION CONSULTATION

Drill, Baby, Drill! OR No, Baby, No!

BTIA invites all members to attend an oil exploration consultation to be held at Radisson Fort George on June 1, st at 9:00a.m.

Your BTIA has received an excellent opportunity to inform members and requests your attendance to offer feedback and guide the position development for your Tourism Association.

Agenda:

• Welcome - BTIA President
• Presentation of General Information - COLA - Geovanni Brackett
• Presentation of APAMO Position and Considerations - Yvette Alonzo
• Presentation on Legal Considerations - Audrey Matura Sheppard -- Oceana
• Presentation on the Coalition - Future Advocacy Actions - APAMO
• Questions & Answers
• Recommendations from Membership for a BTIA Direction
• Vote of Thanks - (BTIA signing on to the Coalition -- if so supported by members)

COME OUT AND BE A VOICE THAT GUIDES POLICY MAKING FOR YOUR BTIA, TOURISM AND BELIZE'S DEVELOPMENT.

Toledo Cacao-Fest 2010

Chocolate aficionados from all corners of Belize and beyond migrated to the southern end of Belize last weekend to attend the fourth annual Toledo Cacao-Fest in Punta Gorda.
The festival, organized by a group of volunteers from the Toledo community,including Ya’axche Conservation Trust,Toledo Cacao Growers Association,BTIA Toledo,Sustainable Harvest International,Punta Gorda Town Council and with support and assistance from National Institute of Culture and History (NICH),the Institute of Creative Arts, the Institute of Archaeology, the Belize Tourism Board, Love FM, Tropic Air and BRC Printing offered a weekend full cacao celebration as well as promoting other tourism opportunities in the district.

The festival kicked off on Friday night the 21st with a Wine & Chocolate Reception. Guests tasted chocolate samples from Belizean producers Goss, Cotton Tree and San Pedro’s own Kakaw. Kakaw proprietor Chris Beaumont was on-hand to showcase a decadent chocolate fountain where guests could sample a variety of fresh tropical fruits drenched in melted chocolate, yum!
Saturday the Taste of Toledo was an all day beachside affair featuring arts,crafts, music, dance, food and more. The festival moved to the nearby Labaantun ruins on Sunday where an opening performance of the Monkey Dance was staged by the villagers of San Jose. Archaeological presentations were held throughout the day and the event ended with a concert with the “Three Kings of Belize”, Paul Nabor, Florencio Mes and Mr. Peters accompanied by Carlos Perrote

Read more in our Visitor Guide this week:

BTIA national to conduct anti-crime meetings

The Belize Tourism Industry Association, mindful that crime bears a negative impact on doing business in tourism, continues to advocate for initiatives that seek to combat crime.

In light of this, BTIA national is commencing a series of destination meetings to discuss the state of crime in the areas with a view to present recommendations for fighting crime in the locales.

The first in a series of such meetings will be in San Pedro for Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The meeting is slated for Friday, September 4, 2009 at Sun Breeze Hotel at 3:00p.m to discuss crime in Caye Caulker and 5:00 to discuss crime in San Pedro.

Recognizing the seriousness of our concerns, on hand we expect: the CEO Ministry of National Security; the Commissioner of Police; the Head of TPU Unit; the Director of Tourism or Director Product Development; the CEO or representative of Min of Tourism; and the NICH representative for Park or Attraction security.

Please come and voice your concerns.