By Zoila Palma: The Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) wrapped up its 2026 Conservation Festival on October 11 with a day of fishing tournaments, kayaking races, volleyball matches and traditional games along the Caribbean coast. The four-day celebration brought together fishers, volunteers and community members to promote local culture, community participation and the importance of protecting Belize’s natural resources.
The festival’s annual Fish Festival attracted 21 boats competing in fishing tournaments at the Port Honduras Marine Reserve and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve. At Port Honduras, G Muerel secured first place with a 22-pound fish, while Mohack placed second in the category for the three largest different fish by weight, totalling 31 pounds.
AllPro Wave Ride took third place in the largest jack category. At Sapodilla Cayes, J Sparrow claimed first place with a 30-pound fish, followed by Laruni, whose three largest different fish weighed a combined 36 pounds. D Process placed third with a 12-pound unique fish.
Kayaking competitions also featured prominently, with Diane Alford and Dilcy Williams placing first and second in the adult female category, while George Alford Jr., Edwin Cabrera Jr. and Yazelle Choco took the top three positions in the youth race. James Alford won the adult male kayak race, followed by Jonathan Alford and Mark Lino. In the volleyball tournaments, Wakanda Kings, Challengers and Elites placed first, second and third, respectively, in the male division. D-Gala 1 claimed first place in the female division, followed by D-Gala 2 and Panthers.
Traditional competitions added to the festivities, with Moses Varro winning the hudut eating contest, Derony Williams taking the lime and spoon race, and Melisa Lopez winning the watermelon eating contest. Jauden Choco won the corn husking contest, Joe Myvette claimed the coconut husking competition, and Mynor Perez emerged victorious in the cast net competition. James Alford won the greasy pole grand prize and first station prize, while Zane Cacho secured the second station prize.
TIDE thanked the volunteers, sponsors, organizers, fishers and community members who contributed to the festival’s success.
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