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December 30, 2025

Message from Oceana’s Vice President in Belize

 

My fellow Belizeans,

Looking back at 2025 feels surreal — events from the first part of the year especially feel like a lifetime ago. But as the saying goes, change is the one constant in life. This continues to be true but I’m heartened that we haven’t only witnessed change, we’ve responded to it. That’s a big deal. 

All too often so many people look at the mess, the chaos, and confusion that our world can be and get so overwhelmed they retreat. Others, like you,  react, eager to be part of the change and work together for a solution. As Wavemakers, Ocean Heroes, and most importantly, as Belizeans, we are showing up and standing up when it matters most. 

The list of challenges is getting longer, but the number of volunteers is also growing. And that’s reason for real hope. We will all live with the consequences of our decisions and by doing our part, we are helping to ensure the best possible outcomes for our future. The road ahead will not be easy but it will be easier because we go together, and because we go today. 

I leave you an adapted version of Charlotte Tall Mountain’s poem: “For the Love of the World.”

For the love of a tree,

Go out on a limb.

For the love of the sea,

Rock the boat.

For the love of the earth,

Dig deeper.

For the love of community,

Mend fences.

For the love of the stars,

Let your light shine.

For the love of spirit,

Nurture your soul.

For the love of a good time,

Sow seeds of happiness.

For the love of yourself,

Acknowledge your worth.

And the world will be richer for you.

Thank you Belize for being you: sensational and true for our beautiful blue. May God bless you all and may God bless Belize.

Always yours,

Janelle