Belize’s Black Friday

Belize is an outstanding jewel and is known for many of its beautiful tourist attractions like the Maya ruins, the second largest Barrier Reef in the world and much, much, more. When problems arise that affect our treasured country we all unite and stand up for our rights and voice our opinions.

A huge problem came up and the Belize Coalition asked all Belizeans to unite on January 27, 2012 by wearing black and showing their support to the offshore oil referendum and saying no to oil exploration in Belize’s Offshore and in its Protected Areas.

I headed out to La Isla Bonita Elementary School and had a great conversation with the principal and teachers on how they have enlightened all the student body about the oil exploration and how it can affect our beautiful Belize. Believe me I was proud on what they told me.

I immediately scouted two students and had the opportunity to interview them and get their opinions on this outrageous problem. I was impressed on how educated and concerned they were and how well they voice their opinion to save and protect their home. I was happy to see many businesses around San Pedro Town doing their part in saying “NO TO OFFSHORE OIL EXPLORATION IN BELIZE”.

An oil exploration is a huge risk to our economy, environment and culture. I believe we all love our beautiful country and we do not need this disaster invading our home. We need to protect our tourist destination and all its beauty, and avoid a cataclysm to happen. Therefore, whoever is responsible for this madness read and comprehend, we all chant out loud, “NO TO OFFSHORE OIL EXPLORATION IN BELIZE”.

Here are some comments from our friends abroad

"We are wearing black today in Wisconsin (United States) in support of Belize and NO offshore drilling!" - Brenda Horn

I'm wearing black even though I'm in California - Patti Borden

Solidarity. I'm wearing all black in Idaho because I love Belize! - Chris Pruner

I'm up in Canada right now but will wear black here too - Totally support your right to vote NO to oil drilling. Good Luck!! - Shirlee Verrette