B.N.N. Calls Out Fisheries Department

There is another report on Guatemalans entering illegally in Belize. Following the protest against the ban of gillnets in Dangriga on Wednesday, the Belize Network of Non-Governmental Organizations says that it is appalled at reports that non-resident fisherfolk entered the country to participate in the demonstration. Reports are that these persons entered Belize via our southern border over two weeks ago without clearing Customs or Immigration. The B.N.N. says that this would represent gross negligence on the part of the relevant authorities. Alleged video of the group’s departure would also appear to indicate that they left Belize in the same manner, completely off the books. These fishers were apparently supported by a former senior employee of the Belize Fisheries Department. The B.N.N. calls on the Fisheries Department to publicly disclose the circumstances of this senior officer’s recent resignation from the Department. The N.G.O. says that the continued use of gillnets will continue to jeopardize marine life, the fishing and tourism industries.