Belize Gears Up for Oil Spill Response with National Workshop

Several representatives from Government and non-government organizations are being equipped with the knowledge on effectively responding to oil spills in Belize. The Belize Port Authority and the Belize Department of Environment (DOE) are conducting a four-day level 2 National workshop on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation. The event is taking place at Biltmore Plaza with representatives from the Belize Coast Guard, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), and The Fire, Fisheries, and Police Departments. Chief Environmental Officer at DOE, Anthony Mai spoke about the importance of training first responders if there is an oil spill in Belize.

Mai added that from a national perspective, Belize has a good oil spill contingent plan; however, oil spill response is always evolving with new tools, ideas procedures and protocols. Experts from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) were brought in specifically for the training. IMO Consultant, Lieutenant Matthew Martin says that this is a global effort.

The training comes at a time when the number of ships coming into the port poses the risk of more oil spills.