The Fourth Annual Cocktail for the Manatee

The fourth annual Cocktail for the Manatee takes place this Saturday night at the Old Belize Pavilion on the George Price Highway. The fundraising event is used to not only spread awareness on the issues affecting manatees, but also to generate much needed funds to carry out awareness campaigns and conservation activities for the mammal.  Programme Director for Sea to Shore Alliance in Belize Jamal Galvez stopped in to our studios today on Coney Drive to invite the public out to the event.

Jamal Galvez

Jamal Galvez, Programme Director, Sea to Shore Alliance

“With the increase in manatee death rates, obviously it shows that our efforts aren’t adequate enough so there is need for increased efforts. With that, it means increased financing and everything comes at a cost. So we are often trying to raise funds to see how we can amp up our efforts to try and alleviate these threats that are continuing to increase on these animals, hence the reason we are hosting another fundraiser this year.”

Isani Cayetano

“Is there any new information in respect of either casualties of manatees or any other activities involving this particular species of sea mammal we need to know about?”

Jamal Galvez

“Last year, we had forty-eight dead manatees, which is the most ever recorded. The year before was the most ever recorded as well and the trend is showing that every year it is increasing. So we are hoping that we can get a hold of this population and get a hold on the issues that these animals are facing as soon as possible.”

Manatee Cocktail starts at seven p.m.  Tickets are only thirty dollars and can be purchased at Eye Candy on Barrack Road in Belize City.