Posted: Tuesday, September 16, 2025. 8:30 am CST.
It is with great sadness that the Belize Fisheries Department mourns the passing of Mr. Paulino Elmer Rodriguez, beloved family man & respected chairman of the National Fishermen Cooperative Producers Society, who passed away yesterday. Mr. Rodriguez, a proud son of Sarteneja Village, Corozal, dedicated over 45 years of his life to the fishing industry and to championing the rights and livelihoods of Belize’s fisherfolk. For more than 27 years, he served on the Executive Committee of the National Fishermen Producers Cooperative Society Ltd., rising from member to Chairman. He was also a much respected member of the Fisheries Advisory Council and a trusted partner of the Belize Fisheries Department.
Mr. Rodriguez has had a remarkable career, leading the implementation of the traceability system at the National Fishermen Cooperative, playing a pivotal role in the implementation of the Fisheries Department’s Managed Access Program and in numerous projects and initiatives. He has always worked closely with the Belize Fisheries Department, Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, and with an array of local, regional and international partners including fisher associations, groups and individuals, EDF, WCS Belize, Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association, Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development – Belize, The Nature Conservancy – TNC in Belize, and so many other organizations and individuals to promote sustainable and responsible fishing practices.
Mr. Rodriguez was recognized as Fisher of the Year in 2019, he was honoured with the Meritorious Service Award for Contributions to the Environment during the 2022 Tribute to Belizean Patriots by the Government of Belize and awarded the prestigious 2023 Gladding Memorial Award by the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute for his enduring vision of sustainable fisheries. Mr. Rodriguez proudly represented Belize on the global stage. In 2022, he was part of the official Belize delegation to the United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, where he joined Hon. Andre Perez , Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, and other global leaders to advocate for small-scale fishers, marine conservation, and ocean action. His unwavering dedication, leadership, and advocacy have left an indelible mark on Belize’s fisheries sector and marine conservation efforts. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of fisherfolk, policymakers, and partners working to ensure the sustainable use of Belize’s marine resources. Mr. Rodriguez poured his heart and soul into his work for Belize’s fisheries sector. His vision and the energy he placed into building a better future for Belize’s fishers will never be forgotten. We will forever remember his commitment and the example he set for all of us.
Mr. Elmer, you have been a colleague and a friend, it has been an honour to work with you. We are deeply grateful for you always being open to sharing your experience and knowledge to advance the work in Belize’s fisheries sector. We extend heartfelt condolences to his beloved family – his wife, his dad, son, daughter, grandchildren, daughter in law, son in law, extended family, to the National Fishermen Cooperative Producers Society Ltd., all his friends, colleagues, and the entire fishing community. May his memory live on in the sea and people he loved and served with unwavering dedication
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The post Belize Fisheries Department mourn loss of Chairman of National Fishermen Cooperative Producers Society Paulino Rodriguez appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, September 16, 2025. 8:30 am CST. It is with great sadness that the Belize Fisheries Department mourns the passing of Mr. Paulino Elmer Rodriguez,
The post Belize Fisheries Department mourn loss of Chairman of National Fishermen Cooperative Producers Society Paulino Rodriguez appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
