Oceana Celebrates Environmental Champions at 2024 AGM

Oceana in Belize held its 2024 Annual General Meeting on Saturday at the St. Catherine’s Academy Mercy Centre in Belize City. It gathered over 300 wavemakers, partners, and environmental allies from across the country.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of Dassia Regalado as National Wavemaker of the Year. Regalado, a conservationist and veterinary professional working in Seine Bight Village in Stann Creek, was celebrated for her innovative environmental initiatives. Among her achievements is the 3R’s Plastic Initiative, a project that transforms waste into functional art, providing creative solutions to environmental challenges. Regalado has also played a key role in promoting eco-friendly businesses through her platform, Evergreen Marketing, and has been an active advocate for a national referendum on offshore oil development, garnering over 22,000 signatures in support.

In addition to the national honour, Wavemaker awards were presented to outstanding individuals from each district:

• Glendy Chiquin, Corozal District
• Astrid Cal, Orange Walk District
• Liam Sanchez, Belize District
• Georgia Belezaire, Cayo District
• Schylyr Logan, Stann Creek District
• Roxanna Shook, Toledo District

The Partner of the Year award was given to Sea of Life, an organisation recognised for its efforts in reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices. Sea of Life has been instrumental in raising awareness through trash audits, partnerships with schools, and initiatives targeting single-use plastics.