The Briceño administration’s commitment to safeguard thirty percent of Belize’s maritime territory under the Blue Bond agreement is encountering substantial opposition from the nation’s fishing sector. With a November 2026 deadline looming, the government faces mounting pressure to reconcile international environmental commitments with domestic economic concerns.
Eworth Garbutt, President of the Belize Flat Fishery Association, delivered a powerful critique of the current approach, questioning the administration’s priorities. “What do you think is more important?” Garbutt challenged, addressing Prime Minister Briceño directly. “Reaching an agreement with international souls that do not vote for you or reaching an agreement for the success of a country?” He emphasized the need for flexible solutions that prioritize Belizean livelihoods, stating that “the only unstoppable force in this world is to get a community with you, not against you.”
Nigel Martinez, Director of the Belize Federation of Fishers, acknowledged the government’s constrained position while advocating for modification of the proposed protected zones. “We understand the government’s back was against the wall. They mortgaged our seas for thirty percent,” Martinez conceded. However, he insisted that recommended high biodiversity areas could be reassessed and adjusted to better protect the interests of grassroots fishing communities.
The implementation deadline carries significant financial implications, as the debt-for-nature swap arrangement includes substantial penalty clauses should Belize fail to meet established milestones. This creates a complex balancing act for policymakers attempting to honor international environmental commitments while addressing domestic economic stability and community welfare concerns.