Government Introduces Bill to Amend the Referendum Act Pertaining to Offshore Drilling

On Thursday, we reported on the joint statement by the government and OCEANA in which both sides stated that they will respect the demand of the people for a referendum on offshore oil drilling. The government had promised that if it ever changed its position on offshore oil exploration, it would go to the public in a referendum first. And in the joint statement, it also said that it would introduce a bill in the House today to amend the Referendum Act so that it makes a referendum mandatory prior to any proposed amendment or repeal of the Petroleum Operations Maritime Zone Moratorium Act. Minister of Constitutional and Political Reform, Henry Charles Usher introduced the bill for that amendment in the morning session of today’s House Sitting, after which the bill was taken through all its stages forthwith, on a unanimous vote by parliament.

Henry Charles Usher

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Constitutional and Political Reform

“Madam Speaker, two sections of the Referendum Act, Chapter 10, are being proposed for amendment to expand when a referendum should be held: one, on any proposed amendment or repeal, whether expressed or implied, of the Petroleum Operations Maritime Zone Moratorium Act; and two, on any proposed legislation affecting the carrying on of petroleum operations within the limits of the Maritime Zone of Belize. Madam Speaker, just as a little background: a statement was released yesterday, jointly signed by the Government of Belize and by Oceana in Belize. I have to congratulate the Attorney General for representing the Government of Belize and Mrs. Jacqueline Marshalleck for representing Oceana in Belize, for their continued dialogue and for drafting this statement, and certainly Oceana for keeping the communication channel open after the petitions were submitted to the Governor General. A few points on the joint statement: One, G.O.B confirms that there is no intention of amending or repealing the provisions of the Moratorium Act. We have to be clear about that. Two, G.O.B and Oceana in Belize are mutually committed to meaningful consultation on the matter of petroleum exploration in the maritime zone. Three, G.O.B and Oceana in Belize remain mutually committed to meaningful engagement to focus on the many marine conservation challenges that require collaborative action. Four, this amendment will ensure that the people of Belize will have their voices heard through a national referendum in the event that any government, now or in the future, desires to amend or repeal the Moratorium Act. Five, there’s a commitment to dialogue and meaningful working relationship to protect and sustainably manage Belize’s maritime conservation environment. And six, finally, thank you to all the Belizeans who signed the petition. Please be assured that your message was heard loud and clear.”