Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage says adieu to Shepherd
Audrey Matura-Shepherd is leaving OCEANA Belize in August. Since that news broke, the social media has been lighting up with well wishes for Matura whose advocacy on environmental issues, particularly offshore drilling, enhance consciousness about the fragility of the ecosystems. This afternoon the Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage also gave kudos to Matura. Executive Director, Tanya Williams, says that they will still count on Matura’s support.
Tanya Williams, Executive Director, Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage
“Of course we are disappointed that Audrey has chosen to leave. There are big shoes to fill; whoever fills that position at OCEANA. And she has really brought her dynamic nature, her legal training to the table and has done a lot for the issue of off-shore exploration which of course is one of the issues for the Coalition as well and of course OCEANA is a member of the Coalition. We do not see it as a setback. Things are in place as she mentioned at the press conference today for those cases to flow as is. So we don’t see it as a setback—as a disappointment but not a setback.”
Duane Moody
“Where to now with the cases that you have in front of the courts?”
Tanya Williams
“We’ll continue with those cases. We’ll continue to get legal advice about what are the best approaches for us to take. But the issues remain; they have not changed because Audrey has decided to move on. She has also always assured that no matter whether she is within the environmental field or outside of the environmental field, she will continue to advocate for these issues.”
Duane Moody
“Tell us about the injunction; of course we know you guys went before the courts earlier this week. Tell us about moving forward with that. Where is that injunction?”
Tanya Williams
“There was supposed to be the first hearing on Tuesday, but it was adjourned until next week Wednesday and so we will continue with that case. We will continue with our argument and government will continue with their argument. There is also the case in the Appeals Court that government is appealing the entire decision of Justice Legall; that will continue. Everything on that is in place and will continue. We strongly believe that they are winnable causes as well.”