Over the holiday weekend Oceana Belize participated in several exciting events across the country, allowing plenty of opportunities for the public to learn about its campaign against offshore exploration and drilling, as well as to sign its petition for a national referendum on the issue.
Starting on Saturday, March 5, Oceana joined La Ruta Maya Challenge, with a booth on the banks of the Belize River at the Village of Double Head Cabbage. That same morning Oceana had representation at the Morning Mixer at Mayan’s Lumber Yard in Dangriga Town! And to top off the evening Oceana was also present at the Pre-Carnival Fair held here in San Pedro.
With petitions on hand, Oceana personnel collected signatures from island residents who show their support against offshore exploration and drilling. Audrey Matura Shephard, Vice President of Oceana Belize was also on the island with the Oceana crew. She met with Ambergris Today to discuss and further plan an aggressive campaign to educate islanders on the organization’s campaign against offshore exploration and drilling and the national referendum on the issue.
Ocean needs to collect 17,000 signatures to call for the national referendum, thus Oceana is working hard to collect these much needed signatures of registered voters. Being part of the Belize Coalition against offshore drilling for oil, the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD) is helping Oceana gather these needed signatures. ACCSD is doing so through their office above BLU on Barrier Reef Drive (opposite Holiday Hotel).
But Audrey Matura Shepherd is being more aggressive in the hunt for signatures as she has solicited the assistance of Miguel Perez and Dina Graniel who will be visiting registered voters on the island and asking for their support. It is asked of everybody to extend their support to Oceana and to Miguel and Dina when approached.
On Sunday, March 6th, Ocean continued its petition drive in partnership with the Belize Coalition to Save Our National Heritage, covering La Ruta Maya from the beautiful Village of Burrell Boom, and finally culminating its referendum weekend at the Belize City Center on Monday, March 7th, welcoming the winning paddlers and participants of the 2011 La Ruta Maya Challenge.
Forms for the Signature Collection for NO Oil Drilling are also available at the following offices: Seaduced, San Pedro Town Council, Ambergris Today, and you can also sign up with Miguel Perez. Office hours are Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Office Number 226-2799. Thanks in advance for your support. Learn, Sign, and prepare to Vote for the Referendum!
