SIGNATURE DRIVE PRACTICALLY A DONE DEAL, OCEANA CAMPAIGN SHIFTS GEARS TO VOTER EDUCATION

Oceana in Belize is almost ready to publicly announce the final tally of referendum signatures collected over a grueling three month campaign, but the organization is still not breaking its stride. To keep the momentum going to prepare for a winning national referendum vote, Oceana aims to draw from a Belizean public that has been properly educated on the Oil Industry Issue.

To this end, Oceana invites all institutions, organizations and communities from across Belize who would like to learn more about the Social, Economic, Legal, and Environmental impact of our Oil Industry, to contact us at this time to arrange for a dynamic presentation on this critical subject. We are also inviting volunteers – especially students – 17 years and older, to apply to assist us over the next few months in our voter education campaign. This is a historic and exciting time, and it is a wonderful opportunity for all Belizeans to become involved in creating a positive difference in the future of our country.

Oceana, founded in 2001, is the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation. Our offices in North America, Central America, South America and Europe work together on a limited number of strategic, directed campaigns to achieve measurable outcomes that will help return our oceans to former levels of abundance. We believe in the importance of science in identifying problems and solutions. Our scientists work closely with our teams of economists, lawyers and advocates to achieve tangible results for the oceans.

Oceana Belize "I Love My Reef" YMCA snorkeling

Oceana’s “I Love My Reef” campaign takes Belize City kids snorkeling
Press Release – OCEANA – May 4, 2011 – Oceana in Belize officially kicked off its “I Love My Reef” Campaign on Easter Sunday, April 24 of this year at a San Pedro Beach Party fund raiser, and continued to promote the theme with an incredible snorkeling outing for eighteen Belize City children from the YMCA youth program.

The “I Love My Reef” campaign is intended to promote the beauty of our spectacular Belize Barrier Reef to citizens countrywide, and this group of children and their chaperones were wowed and amazed by the underwater beauty exposed to them by this expedition.

A short boat ride took the future aquanauts first to Sergeant’s Caye, where they were given professional snorkeling instruction by the tour guides, and they hit the water like pros! The guides led the way through the colourful underwater forest, showing the goggled viewers spectacular fish and coral. Then it was off to Goff’s Caye – entrance fees all covered thanks to the Coastal Zone Management Authority (CZMAI) - for a great lunch, and afterwards, more swimming. It was overall a great trip, leaving the now experienced snorkelers blown away with what they saw and experienced. They are all now firsthand proponents of what our Belizean Barrier Reef has to offer, and why it should remain protected.
Oceana is also promoting two “I Love My Reef” contests, which are now open to the public. The first is a poetry contest for children aged 8 to 16, and the other is a song contest on the same theme for individuals 17 years and older. All Belizeans are encouraged to enter these contests, and there will be exciting prizes awarded to the winners. Send us your entries today!
Oceana, founded in 2001, is the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation. Our offices in North America, Central America, South America and Europe work together on a limited number of strategic, directed campaigns to achieve measurable outcomes that will help return our oceans to former levels of abundance. We believe in the importance of science in identifying problems and solutions. Our scientists work closely with our teams of economists, lawyers and advocates to achieve tangible results for the oceans.

Oceana speaks out at Satiim oil summit

Press Release - Oceana - March 8, 2011 - Oceana has once again sounded the alarm on the legal issues governing Belize’s Oil and Petroleum Industry, at the Satiim Oil Summit held in Punta Gorda Town on February, 8th, 2011.

Mrs. Audrey Matura – Shepherd, VP of Oceana Belize, presented on the inadequacies in current legal structures which control Belize’s fledgling oil industry. She spoke to an attentive audience, comprised of major local and international environmental and human rights organizations, explaining how Belize’s weak petroleum laws could allow for abuse of property and citizens rights.
In her presentation, she exposed how oil companies have extreme power via the current laws over individual property rights, and showed how the terms of their contracts were not being properly followed. The audience became seriously concerned over her demonstration of the accepted royalty rates our country is receiving, and were disturbed by the power given to Ministers to issue contracts at their discretion.
Mrs. Shepherd also gave assurance of Oceana’s full support to Mr. Leonard Reimer from the Spanish Lookout Community and Mr. John Carr of the Belize Landowners Association, who in their own presentations voiced a determination to bring their challenges in dealing with the oil companies and the government to the public front.

The objectives of the Satiim Oil Summit were to increase awareness and stimulate activism among civil society and within indigenous communities in the Toledo District, regarding the threats posed by oil development to the environment and human rights; and to build a coalition of local and national civil society actors to actively put pressure on government officials to reevaluate their stance on oil development within fragile, critical ecosystems, including offshore and in protected areas, while promoting policies that entail sustainable development, respect for human rights and environmental conservation.

Oceana Declares: "Government must immediately amend Petroleum Act"

Press Release - January 28, 2011 - Oceana - In the interest of good governance and good faith towards the people of this country the Barrow Administration needs to immediately amend Section 13 of the Petroleum Act.

There is need for comprehensive revision of the entire Petroleum Act Chapter 225 Laws of Belize but there are sections that need to be amended immediately. Section 13 of the Petroleum Act has been abused by both government administrations, so much so that all, except one, petroleum contract have been and continues to be given out behind closed doors at Cabinet.

Section 13 provides for open competitive bidding, but also has proviso three which removes this layer to transparency and accountability and allows the Minister “with the approval of the Cabinet, [to] select contractors other than through competitive bidding procedures in the following cases-
(a) where the technical or economic circumstances make it advisable; or
(b) where he determines that the circumstances so require.”

The recent revelation in the 2010 Petroleum contract Maps obtained by Oceana from the Department of Petroleum & Geology is a clear indication that companies such as Paradise Energy, with no Petroleum experience in violation of Section 11, will continue to obtain oil leases unknown to the Belize people, who are the true owner of oil rights in this country.

“The government only holds these rights on trust Belizeans”, explained Oceana VP Audrey Matura-shepherd. “We must continue to demand accountability and transparency, but sadly every government has sought to ignore subsections 1 and 2 of Section 13 of the law because it suits their purpose, which is not to be transparent and not to be accountable to the people of Belize when entering these deals”

Section 13 Petroleum Act says that “selection of contracts should be carried out through public competitive bidding or such other competitive procedure as may be determined by the Minister”. It also states that the minister “shall publish in the Gazzette a description of the areas for which bids are to be solicited along with the procedures and rules relating to the submission of such bids”.

Matura-Shepherd explains that “this is never done because the open competitive bidding process is completely circumvented and the Minister applies the exception which is to go behind closed doors in Cabinet unknown to the unsuspecting Belizean people and using Section 13 (3) it appears that the Minister always seems to “determine that the circumstances require” secret issuing of contracts…. this cannot continue!”

Oceana is concerned that the now relinquished OPIC block vacant since October 2010 can secretly be given out again using the provisions of the law, which must not stand.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Audrey Matura-Shepherd

610-0702.

Trawling Totally Banned in Belize

PRESS RELEASE

(Embargoed to Wed Dec 8)
Wed December 8, 2010
Belize City, Belize

All forms of trawling in Belize has been banned in the country’s waters including its EEZ when Minister responsible for Fisheries Rene Montero today signed the Statutory Instrument effecting this legislative change.

The ban which is effective January 1, 2011 is a historic decision of Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s administration that has also passed legislation to protect parrot fish, regulate sport fishing and control the issuing of fishing license.

The call to ban bottom trawling had been made some years ago but lacked the political will as the government was faced with the reality of what to do with the existing trawlers owned and operated by the Northern Fishermen Cooperative Association (NFC). Oceana in Belize in collaborating with the government assisted in resolving this concern by negotiating the buy-out of the two shrimp-trawlers.

After discussions with the fishers directly affected by the proposed ban, Oceana was able to secure the full support of the Belize Fishermen Association which has a membership of four cooperative including the NFC. In the letter, signed by the Chairman Allan Bevans Green, Vice Chairman, Carlton Young and Secretary Ovel Leonardo Sr. the BFCA expressed support for the buyout of the trawlers. “By our support of the sale of the two trawlers to Oceana, the BFCA also agrees to support Oceana in its Endeavour to ban all trawling permanently within the waters of Belize,” concluded the letter.
Belize has become one of only three countries in the world to institute a complete and permanent ban on trawling in all its waters. Large areas in the US, Indonesia, Phillipines and other Pacific islands are closed to trawling, though not the entire country. Venezuela and Palau, like Belize banned trawling completely.

Vice President for Oceana in Belize, Audrey Matura-Shepherd says that this is a historic milestone in the life of the Belizean fishers and the environmental community because “it is indicative of the partnership that could be forged for the betterment of the people and country of Belize”. “We thank the government for its bold decision and look forward to being able to work with any administration on marine issues for the development of Belize,” she added.

This move is critical because it comes at a time when UNESCO is asking the Government to report on what corrective measures it has taken to remove the existing threats to the Belize Barrier Reef System.

***

Oceana hosts first ever Board of Directors International meeting in San Pedro

Oceana’s Board of Directors is holding its first ever Board of Directors international meeting in Belize.

Ted Danson (l) visits with Belize Minister of Tourism, Honorable Manuel Heredia, JR

The meeting will take place from December 6th to December 9th 2010. Internationally acclaimed Actor, best known in Belize for his role in the sitcom Cheers and now HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, Ted Danson is among the over 15 board members visiting the country for the first time.

Danson's wife, actress Mary Steenburgern (r) shakes hands with the Tourism Minister.

The working session of the meeting is being held here in San Pedro, where the board is expected to approve its global strategy and budget for 2011 and learn more about pressing marine issues affecting the country. While on the Island, Board members met with members of the San Pedro Town Council and got an opportunity to visit some of our many local tourist destinations, including Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

Ted Danson and Mrs. Celi McCorkle

In an attempt to show her support for Oceana and its policies, Mayor Elsa Paz, along with the Town Councilors, hosted the Board members at a cocktail party at the Holiday Hotel held tonight at 7:00pm at which Minister of Tourism; Manuel Heredia Jr. was the guest of honor. Selected members of the community were invite to be a part of this special event.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

OCEANA FOUNDING MEMBER TED DANSON IN BELIZE

PRESS RELEASE
November 26, 2010


Oceana’s Board of Directors first ever international meeting in Belize will see participation of many internationally known figures. The meeting will take place December 6 to 9th 2010.

Internationally recognized Actor, best known in Belize for his role in the sitcom Cheers and now HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, is among the over 15 board members who will be visiting Belize for the first time.

As part of the series of events, Board members will be making courtesy calls on Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Rene Montero and Leader of the Opposition Johnny Briceño.

The working session of the meeting will be held in San Pedro, where the board will be approving its global strategy and budget for 2011 and learning more about the pressing marine issues in Belize. While in San Pedro the Board will take time out to meet with members of the San Pedro Town Council and visit local tourist spots. Mayor Elsa Paz, who has been supportive of Oceana’s policies along with the Town Councilors, will be hosting the Board members at a cocktail party at which Minister of Tourism; Manuel Heredia will be the guest of honour.

A highlight of the Board’s visit to in Belize is the public forum at the Bliss Institute on December 8, 2010 at 5 pm. The theme of this presentation which is open to the Belizean public free of cost is “Learning from the US Oil Disasters – Can this be us?” The key presenter will be marine scientist Dr. Jeff Short, who has worked and researched the Exxon Valdez oil disaster in Alaska and the recent BP Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

Also presenting at this event is Oceana’s very own founding member and marine advocate Ted Danson who has testified before the US Senate about the dangers of offshore oil exploration and drilling. Danson has used his internationally recognized status as a famous actor to educate people around the world about marine issues affecting humanity globally.

Other well known board members in attendance will be the former President of Columbia and former Secretary General of the OAS, César Gaviria and Oceana’s chairperson, Kristian Parker from the Swiss-based OAK Foundation. Members of the Board of Directors come from a variety of backgrounds such as Europe and North and South America.

Oceana’s CEO Andy Sharpless says he is most pleased with the decision to host its final board meeting for 2010 in Belize as this is the most recent office opened by the organization as it expands its reach globally. “Mayor Paz is a friend of Oceana and we are more than delighted to be taking our event to her island as it helps to bring recognition to the importance of Belize’s Barrier Reef and the threats it faces by unsustainable human activity.”


For Further information contact:

Audrey Matura-Shepherd at 610-0702 or 227-2704/05 or amatura-shepherd@oceana.org

Hands Across the Sands in Caye Caulker

The Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage called on Belizeans who are against Offshore Drilling to actively show their opposition to this activity by joining hands across the sands on Saturday June 26, 2010. Despite the threat of the storm brewing a few miles away East of the Caye Caulker shore, representatives of the Coalition and residents of Caye Caulker turned up at 12noon to join the millions worldwide by linking hands.

While holding hands, a chat was held, "Ail ahn Waata Noh Mix". Hands were joined for fifteen minutes, and afterwards, only footprints remained.

Hands Across Sands will also be held in San Pedro, at a date and location to be announced.

World Ocean Day 2010 on Goff's Key

World Ocean Day 2010 was celebrated on Saturday June 5th on Goff's Key. Encouraging Appreciation and Conservation of the Wonders of our Barrier Reefs under the theme "OCEANS of Life!", participants got a chance to snorkel the Barrier Reef among other fun activities throughout the day.

Coalition to be launched on World Ocean Day

Press Release - June 4, 2010 – World Ocean Day - Over eight NGO’s have joined forces to form a coalition to bring about awareness about the implications of oil exploration and drilling offshore and in protected areas in Belize.

As part of World Ocean Day the coalition will unveil its official name, membership and position on the ongoing debate of oil drilling and exploration offshore and in protected areas. Since APAMO, COLA, OCEANA, Healthy Reef Initiative and BELPO went public with their position on the issue of offshore exploration and drilling there has been a pouring of support from organizations and members of the public, which has spurred the need for the Coalition to be formed. Since then its membership has been growing with APAMO alone bringing on board its 14 members which are other local and community based NGO’s.

Several other environmental and social partners have since signed up to join the coalition to address their concern with a united voice. The coalition is studying the socio-economic impact and the legal implications of the proposed oil exploration and drilling off our shores and in our terrestrial and marine protected areas with a view to advice the government on the need to reconsider its present policy and ban these activities in our waters and protected areas.
The general public is invited to be a part of this historic event which will be held June 8, 2010 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Radisson Fort George Caracol Room. Please be seated by 1:30pm.
As part of the forum there will be a presentation on issues that need to be addressed in relation to oil exploration and drilling both offshore and in protected areas, on land and in sea. Presenters will speak about the legal realities in Belize, the economic impact to the existing tourism and fishing sectors and the environmental implications for Belizeans.
The forum will also be the occasion at which the winners of the Oceana World Ocean Day Essay competition will be announced and awarded their respective prizes.
This forum is being held in partnership with APAMO, COLA and Healthy Reef Initiative and co-sponsored by OAK Foundation and KREM RADIO & TV, which will also be airing the event live.

***Contact Persons: Yvette Alonso - 6717202 / Audrey Matura-Shepherd: 610-0702***

OCEANA: Offshore Oil Exploration is a Definite "NO" for Belize

Press Release – Oceana – May 11, 2010 - Oceana is opposed to any offshore drilling in Belizean territorial waters and says all it takes is one spill of the magnitude of the Gulf Oil spill for Belize to lose everything. The recently released map prepared February 2010 by the Geology and Petroleum Department has confirmed previous speculation that massive oil exploration concessions have been granted throughout the country of Belize. This map shows that even the territorial waters of Belize has been divided up amongst eight of the seventeen companies which are grantees of these lease.

Oceana is gravely concerned with the concessions already granted in Belize’s territorial waters especially seeing that they include declared reserves and national parks. A decision of this magnitude that can wipe out our tourism and fishing industry, eliminate our marine food security and devastate the viability of coastal communities, should be a transparent process with input from all social partners and the general public. It is therefore necessary for the Government to promptly explain the rational behind the massive parceling of our marine territory including areas encompassing our reef and atolls.

Oceana’s VP for Belize, Audrey Matura-Shepherd stated that “while we wish for our country to develop and progress we cannot do so to the detriment of our long-term survival. The recent spill in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana has shown us that even a rich and highly advanced country like the great USA is not equipped to handle such disaster, and thus this should teach us to proceed with much caution as one accident ten times less can wipe out our entire coastline and send Belize into an economic depression never seen before.”

In addition Oceana calls on the people of Belize to become more informed and involved in this issue since it will not only affect those living along the coast or near inland wells. The people of this country stand to gain very little from any oil exploration since as the recent disclosure of BNE’s operation and agreements have shown the bulk of the wealth from oil extracted does not remain in Belize. Belize as a country has not become any richer; nor any more developed as a result of the ongoing oil extraction taking place since the returns do not measure up to the risk taken. This risk is even more grave in our waters because of the ocean currents and the fragility of the marine eco-system.

Oceana calls on the Government of Belize to place a complete halt on all planned offshore exploration and to revoke all leases presently granted on our territorial waters.

(See Map Attached)

January Jones and Oceana - Scared FOR Sharks

Actress January Jones, of "Mad Men" fame on AMC, has been in Belize for a few days this past week to film a PSA (public service announcement) for Oceana entitled "Scared for Sharks". She travelled along with a film crew to get footage of the famous Whale Sharks in Gladden Spit, Placencia as part of her campaign which will be aired internationally. Her campaigns have been featured in Travel + Leisure, InStyle, Sports Illustrated and more.

Today, May 7, 2010, January was at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza along with Ms. Audrey Matura Shepherd, Director for Oceana, Belize City office, International Oceana Director Matt Little-John, Marine Scientist Julie Stockbridge and Underwater Camera Operator Neil Andrea to speak a bit more on the two and a half day's worth of activities.

According to Ms. Jones, her interest in sharks began from a very young age, and when it came time to choose a charity, when she was able to make an impact, Oceana seemed the perfect organization to volunteer her time.

While at Gladden's Spit, they were conscious that the opportunity to spot a Whale Shark was not a guarantee, but during one of their outings, they were looking to leave they noticed a whale shark near their boat in about 20 feet of water. According to Jones, the experience was unlike any other, and she is hard pressed to find words to describe just how it was. They were able to get great shots on film for the PSA.

The PSA will be edited in two versions, one for the US and one for Belize, which Oceana will be responsible for airing countrywide.

After the meeting, January Jones and the film crew went directly to the International Airport to board their flight back home. Look for more details in the upcoming issue of The San Pedro Sun.