Democracy thrives when citizens can actively participate in national decision making. By enshrining the right to decide on offshore oil activities through binding national referenda, we empower every Belizean to have a direct voice in shaping Belize’s future.  This ensures that decisions are made with the collective wisdom and consent of the people, reflecting our shared values and priorities. 

Belize’s Referendum (Amendment) Act, 2023  

In November 2022, Oceana began a petition drive to collect the necessary signatures to trigger a national referendum, following verbal confirmation from the Prime Minister of the government’s intention to conduct seismic testing in Belizean waters without consulting Belizeans first.  

On June 22, 2023, in accordance with Section 2(2) of the Referendum Act, Oceana on behalf of Belizeans, submitted to the Governor General of Belize, Her Excellency Dame Froyla Tzalam, exactly 22,090 signed petitions – more than 3,000 of the required 10% threshold – to trigger a referendum on the right to be consulted before the moratorium on offshore oil and natural gas exploration and petroleum operations is ever lifted.  

A dispute arose between the Government of Belize and Oceana in Belize concerning the proper legal process required to hold a referendum on the matter of a constitutional amendment regarding the moratorium on petroleum exploration in the maritime areas of Belize protected by the Petroleum Operations (Maritime Zone) Moratorium Act (“Moratorium Act”). The Government contended that all Constitutional amendments fall under the purview of the Constitutional review process initiated by the Government of Belize in late 2022.  

Nevertheless, the Government of Belize confirmed that it has no intention of amending or repealing the provisions of the Moratorium Act and that it is committed to respecting the expressed demand from the people of Belize for meaningful consultation on the matter of petroleum exploration in the Maritime Zone protected under the Moratorium Act by way of a referendum. 

Therefore, in November 2023, the Government of Belize passed a new law – the REFERENDUM (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2023, that requires any decision to open Belize’s territorial waters to oil and gas drilling to first be voted on by the Belizean people through a national referendum.  

This victory would not have been possible without the 22,090 signed petitions from Belizean voters to ensure that “people power” is at the center of decisions about the long-term future of the country’s reef, ocean, and the livelihoods its resources sustain. 

Belize is currently undertaking a Constitutional Reform Process 

Oceana is, therefore, currently engaging the People’s Constitutional Reform Commission about the widespread desire of the Belizean public’s right to be consulted on offshore oil and gas activity by way of a referendum mechanism.  

The goal is to enshrine in Belize’s Constitution the right for citizens to vote on matters pertaining to offshore oil and gas activities, ensuring that decisions with far-reaching implications for our livelihoods, environment, and economy are subject to the direct will of the people. 

TAKE ACTION: Join the movement!

Your voice is powerful, and together, we can ensure that our Constitution reflects the will of the people and safeguards our natural heritage for future generations. Join us in advocating for a Constitution that empowers every Belizean and protects our precious marine ecosystems.

Support the inclusion of binding referenda in the Constitution to give Belizeans the right to decide on oil exploration and drilling and major coastal projects.

Let Belizean Voices Shape Belize’s Future: ADD YOUR VOICE!