Oceana Honours Belizeans Working to Protect Marine Resources

Oceana in Belize recognised Wavemakers and partners from across the country for their contributions to marine conservation during its 2026 Annual General Meeting on Saturday.

More than 300 Wavemakers, allies and partners attended the event at the St. Catherine’s Academy Mercy Center in Belize City, where six Wavemakers were recognised for their work in their respective districts.

The 2026 district awardees were Leslie Rodriguez for Corozal, Joesie Castillo for Orange Walk, Monique Garbutt for Belize, Ranai Gonzales for Cayo, Cianna Garbutt for Stann Creek and Ymanoli Garcia for Toledo.

Castillo said receiving the Orange Walk award was a profound honour and one of the best recognitions she has received.

She wrote on an online post that, as a mother, the mission is deeply personal, adding that she is “dedicated to leaving a clean footprint” and ensuring Belize’s natural resources are preserved so future generations can enjoy them.

Zeidi Vellos was also named National Wavemaker of the Year. Vellos has been an active Oceana Wavemaker in the Corozal District since 2022, supporting workshops, environmental events, presentations and youth activities.

Community Health Workers from Southern Belize were also recognised as Partner of the Year for their continued collaboration with Oceana and their work supporting community wellbeing.

The event’s guest speaker was Eworth Garbutt, President of the Belize Flats Fishery Association and an advocate for sustainable fishing and the protection of Belize’s marine resources.

Garbutt spoke about community-led efforts to stop unsustainable development on Will Bauer Flats and restore Silk Caye after significant erosion, pointing to both as examples of what can be achieved through consistency and determination