THE PEOPLE’S REFERENDUM: NO, ON OFFSHORE DRILLING

 Today, the people of Belize went to the polls to cast their ballots on People’s Referendum; NO, to offshore drilling in Belize. This referendum is all about whether they want exploration and drilling for oil offshore Belize.

Oceana Belize-Mrs. Audrey Matura-Shepherd

The polls opened this morning nationwide at 6:00 a.m. and will be closed at 8:00 p.m. There are 48 polling stations, two of them mobile; one in the Toledo District and the other in the Belize District. The fourteen hours time-frame will allow registered voters to participate in the first ever People’s Referendum. Those who are not registered are being asked to sign a petition against offshore drilling. There will be only one question asked in the People’s Referendum. The Yes or No question as follows: Should Belize Allow Oil Exploration and Drilling Offshore?

Oceana Belize and referendum supporter- Tessa Westby

Referendum supporter- (R) Dianne Finnegan

Referendum supporter-Nikisha Ack 

This effort by head of Oceana Belize Mrs. Audrey Matura-Shepherd and the Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage is as a result of monumental and unprecedented efforts to get Belize’s leaders to engage the people of this country in what Belize’s direction in offshore oil should be. “The People’s Referendum is in response to the government’s outright unwillingness to even discuss the issue, much less seek a legitimate mandate from the voting population, this is solely a people's movement initiative", explained Coalition member Audrey Matura-Shepherd.

“Besides encouraging Belizeans’ participation by voting, we also ask that they pray for God’s blessings on this great endeavor in participatory democracy. We are greatly encouraged by the support we have received and want to thank all those who have contributed in cash or kind to the effort,” Matura-Shepherd added.

Wednesday February 29, 2012, is the first ever People’s Referendum.

Source: Ambergris Today