With the discovery of oil in commercial quantities in Belize and the potential economic benefits that could be derived from a booming petroleum industry, many Belizeans were in support of further exploration for oil, including offshore exploration.

 

Today, as a result of the environmental disaster in the Gulf of Mexico and the billions of dollars in damage as well as the effects of this spill on the natural environment in the affected area, Belizeans have become increasingly concerned about the effects of offshore drilling on our natural environment, especially the negative impact it will have on our already fragile Barrier Reef.

 

The Belize Barrier Reef, a world heritage site, is a gift from our Creator; it is also an indispensable part of our natural resources and offers unmatched economic benefits.  From tourism to fisheries, the reef has provided a way of life to thousands of Belizeans.  The Belize Barrier Reef has also protected our low lying coast from erosion caused by large waves and is a marine laboratory for scientific exploration. Considering its potential and its significance to the region and the world, Belizeans have an obligation to protect this gift at all cost.

 

British Petroleum is one of the world’s largest oil companies and its inability to deal with the spill in the Gulf and its effects on the coast of Florida, Louisiana and the Mississippi coastline is a lesson to all of us. The fact that many of the licenses for oil exploration, issued by Belize, have been granted to small drilling companies who lack the ability to deal with the consequences of any serious oil spill is a legitimate concern.

 

In this connection, the People’s United Party (PUP) welcomes the actions taken by the Environmental Community, Civil Society, and other stakeholders to become actively involved in this issue.  We encourage their participation and believe that they should play an active role in any future plans in the development of the petroleum industry.

 

The PUP, after consulting with its 31 constituencies and having considered the overwhelming concern by Belizeans about the potential damage that can result from an accident in offshore drilling, calls on Government to institute a ban on any further offshore drilling or the issuing of any licenses for offshore drilling until Belizeans can be assured that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure that there will be no damage to our marine environment as a result of such drilling.