7 News Belize

Fly-fishing in Barranco
posted (August 15, 2018)

Wil Maheia and Belize Territorial Volunteers are known for their border activism - and some would say border agitation. But, they also do community work, even though it’s usually behind-the-scenes.

This time around however, their leader, Wil Maheia, is announcing that they are organizing a fly fishing summer camp in the village of Barranco.

Maheia granted an interview to clarify that although it will be educational and fun, it also ties right back to their main objectives of border activism. Here’s what he had say to about it:

Wil Maheia - Leader, BTV
"Today is the Belize Territorial Volunteers summer camp. This is not the first time that we are doing a summer camp. We done summer camps before. We had a big summer camp in the village of Otoxha the last time. And now, we're having one in the village of Barranco, and the idea is to expose the community to the resources, so that they can realize the value of their natural resources. So, BTV is not only about protecting the borders, and keeping an eye on the borders, but we also want the community, the people of Belize, to be involved. And that's why, for summer, we try and engage the youths to get them involved in something positive. Today, we are introducing the art of fly fishing to the village of Barranco. It was supposed to be mostly for youths, but we've found out that a lot of the older folks, grown-ups, are also interested. So, of course, we will not turn back anybody. It's  good for the community, and in the future, we could see this being an income generating activity for the community. Fly fishing is a big sport, and it really encourages people to use the resources wisely. We are against gill netting, and gill nets are used in this area. We think that if the people realize the value of fly fishing, they too will keep an eye out for all the illegal gill nets in the area by Guatemalans."

The camp began this morning at 9, and continues for several more days.




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