San Pedro group starts its own anti-oil drilling campaign

elito arceo

The call for a ban to oil drilling and exploration is picking up momentum. That was launched by the Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage in the past weeks and so far forty groups have joined that coalition. Recent information that licenses for offshore exploration have been issued dangerously close to the reef has stirred up enough emotions especially at La Isla Bonita which depends heavily on the tourism dollar. While on assignment in San Pedro, a New Five crew found another group that has also started its own drive against oil drilling in protected areas.

Elito Arceo, President, Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Dev

“We’ve been surprised at how many businesses have come by our office to get a piece of paper to take it and they’ve actually been signing it, from dive shops to hotels to of course other tour operators like myself and individuals who come in and sign.  And I’d say your wife needs to sign this and they’d get their wife and family members so it’s actually been going very well.”

Marion Ali

“Has there bee anybody who has been reluctant in signing?”

Elito Arceo

“I’m sure there is but we haven’t met them.  I’m sure there might be some people out there. They haven’t come by our office to complain or anything like that, so it’s actually been very, very positive. And every morning we try to call on the local talk show and of course you can hear when the people are—you can feel their vibe.”