On November 17th, Oceana began collecting signatures to trigger a national referendum. The vote will give Belizeans the right to decide if the offshore oil moratorium should be lifted.

Oceana took this decision following a conversation held on September 9th, 2022, with Prime Minister, Honorable John Briceño during which he confirmed his administration’s intention to proceed with seismic testing in Belizean waters without prior approval of the public to lift the moratorium against the exploration and exploitation of offshore oil. 

The question being put to Belizeans in this 2022 petition moves to strengthen the existing moratorium by implementing a ban on offshore oil unless Belizean voters approve petroleum operations in the marine environment via an official referendum. 

By signing the petition, you’re supporting the right to be consulted on what happens next with offshore oil exploration and development in Belize.   

Add your name so your voice can join the conversation. Sign the petition today! #AskBelizeFirst  

Click on the image below to download the petition:

Click here, to download the Spanish Translated Petition

Here’s how to add your name to the petition: 

• Download, print, and sign the petition. 
• Signature collectors will be working countrywide to collect signatures. 
• Completed petitions can also be forwarded via email to belize@oceana.org.  

Feel free to reach out to the following persons in your area, if you’d like them to bring you a form: 

• Corozal/Orange Walk District – Ryan Rivera – rrivera@oceana.org – 673 3316
• Belize District – Kleon Coleman -kcoleman@oceana.org – 627 1523
• Cayo District – Joshua Gomez – jjgomez@oceana.org 610 0952
• Stann Creek District – Shanda Sainsbury – ssainsbury@oceana.org – 610 3897
• Toledo District – Nathan Juarez – njuarez@oceana.org -610 4874

How to Sign the Petition: 

• Start by filling in your name neatly using all Block Letters e.g.  J A N E   D O E. 
• Then, add your telephone number, date of birth and Voter’s ID Number.
• Next, fill in the address and Electoral Division where you are registered to vote.
• Lastly, sign the form yourself making sure your signature matches with that on your Voter’s ID.   

How to Submit your Signed Petition: 

Feel free to reach out to the following persons in your area, if you’d like someone to pick up your form: 

• Corozal/Orange Walk District – Ryan Rivera – rrivera@oceana.org – 673 3316
• Belize District – Kleon Coleman -kcoleman@oceana.org – 627 1523
• Cayo District – Joshua Gomez – jjgomez@oceana.org 610 0952
• Stann Creek District – Shanda Sainsbury – ssainsbury@oceana.org – 610 3897
• Toledo District – Nathan Juarez – njuarez@oceana.org -610 4874

You can also take your completed form to any of the following drop-off centers: 

Corozal District

• Corozal Farmer’s Supply – #99 Fifth Avenue

Belize District

• Belize Audubon Society – #16 Taiwan Street, Belize City
• Tropical Seasons – Alijua Building, San Pedro
• Island Magic Beach Resort – Avenida Hicaco, Caye Caulker

Cayo District

• Oceana Office – #2358 Hibiscus Street, Belmopan

Stann Creek District

• Southern Environmental Association (SEA) Office – Placencia Village
• Bonefish Hotel – #15 Mahogany Street, Dangriga

Toledo District

• Beya Suites – #6 Hopeville, Punta Gorda
• BTIA Toledo Chapter -#46 Front Street, Punta Gorda

For information on how to add your name to the petition, please contact Oceana via our social media platforms, via WhatsApp at 610-0952, or send us an email to belize@oceana.org.

Frequently Asked Questions