New Amendment to Include Offshore Oil Exploration Referendum

Janelle Chanona

The Senate has approved an amendment to the Referendum Act that will mandate the Government of Belize to trigger a referendum in the event that there is intent to explore Belize’s maritime space for oil. In 2022, OCEANA launched a petition to trigger a referendum to this end. In July, the N.G.O. delivered twenty-two thousand signed petitions to the Governor General. But, instead of triggering a referendum to have voters decide on the matter, G.O.B. simply placed it in law. N.G.O. Senator, Janelle Chanona, who is also the Vice President of Oceana, says the legislative amendment fulfils the same objective.

Janelle Chanona, Senator, NGO

“Truly these amendments are validation that the people of Belize want to have a conversation about offshore oil and anything that would happen in the future there and want to participate fully in that. So, I really want to begin by thanking everyone who signed the petition, twenty-two thousand ninety registered voters signed that petition and we are here because they decided to be counted in this. I know men, women and youth are in that population of people, but also to underscore it was a call, a demand, an urging that this want for involvement is there. I am happy that was heard, message received and it has been respected. That is a sign of leadership and we will do our part to ensure that it is promoted as an example for others to follow and truly setting precedents in a way that is appropriate. So in recognizing those people I also want to fully acknowledge that some people are not happy that we are not going to a vote right now and I want to recognize and acknowledge it, but also to highlight that the amendments before the Senate today is a commitment that a vote will happen.”