5 @ 30: “News Five Remembers” Anchor Ernesto Vasquez Greater Belize Media | GBM 2026-09-27 | 5 @ 30: “News Five Remembers” Anchor Ernesto Vasquez
Belize City Council Sets Record Straight on Belcan Bridge Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-07 | Belize City Council Sets Record Straight on Belcan BridgeTonight, we’re cutting through the noise and bringing you the facts about a story that’s been making headlines. It’s all about the new Belcan Bridge, a major infrastructure project that’s set to transform how we move through the city. The Belize City Council has stepped forward to clear the air after some claims made by Roque Matus were broadcast in the media. In a press release issued today, the Council laid out a detailed timeline to explain exactly what’s been happening behind the scenes. Let’s rewind to 2019, that’s when M&M Engineering Consultants Ltd. was hired by the Government of Belize to design the new Belcan Bridge. Once those plans were done, they became government property and were held by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing. Fast forward to 2023, the Belize City Council was tapped to lead the construction of the bridge. The design documents they received were marked “for information only.” In other words, they weren’t complete and couldn’t be used to actually build the bridge. That’s when things took a major turn in 2024. The Republic of China (Taiwan) stepped in with a generous grant to fund the bridge’s construction. With funding secured, the Council brought in Turba Limited, an international engineering firm with experience right here in Belize, to oversee the project. But Turba quickly spotted some serious issues. The documents were missing key pieces, no calculations, no geotechnical or environmental reports, and not enough structural detail. Even after getting AutoCAD drawings from MIDH, the plans still weren’t good enough to safely move forward. So, what did the Council do? They doubled down. They asked Turba, along with engineering partners CCL and Belizean structural engineer Carlton Young, to help fill in the gaps. Together, they created what are now called the “Supplementary Design Documents.”
Gun Violence Continues; Big Tom Dead Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-07 | Gun Violence Continues; Big Tom DeadA notorious figure in Belize City’s gang underworld has been silenced. Kenneth ‘Big Tom’ Flowers was gunned down late this afternoon while sitting inside his SUV on Sittee Street in the Back-A-Town area. He was rushed to the KHMH, but doctors couldn’t save him. Outside the emergency bay, grief-stricken family members gathered as word of his death spread. News Five’s Paul Lopez was on the scene and brings us what he learned.
Accidental Bomb Detonation Kills 25-Year-Old Welder Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-07 | Accidental Bomb Detonation Kills 25-Year-Old WelderTonight, a community is on edge after a massive explosion in the Orange Walked District claimed the life of one of its residents. But this was not an ordinary explosion; twenty-five-year-old Jose Valencia was killed when he accidentally detonated a bomb in San Jose Palmar Village. Valencia had been hired by former P.U.P. Area Representative, Dave Burgos, to weld hooks on what he believed to be a harmless decorative piece. However, the bomb was not just for decoration and proved to be extremely deadly when it was set off while Valencia was carrying out his work. Now, Jose Valencia’s family is left with heartbreaking questions. How did such a dangerous device end up in someone’s hands? And more importantly, who’s going to be held responsible for the tragic loss of their loved one? News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.
Loud on Cannabis, Quiet on Crime? Church Voices Under Scrutiny Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-07 | Loud on Cannabis, Quiet on Crime? Church Voices Under ScrutinyThis past Saturday, the Hope Not Dope campaign took its message to Caye Caulker, just days before Belizeans head to the polls for the cannabis referendum. Church members and residents from the island, Belize City, and Belmopan rallied against marijuana legalization in the village. Their voices were loud, but here’s what we’re asking: while the church speaks out on this issue, are they equally vocal about other pressing concerns, like the surge in violent crime gripping the country? News Five’s Paul Lopez was on the island and brings us this report.
GOB Rolls Out Major Crime Crackdown as Gang Feud Escalates in Belize City Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-07 | GOB Rolls Out Major Crime Crackdown as Gang Feud Escalates in Belize CityBelize City is on edge tonight. After weeks of escalating gang violence, incidents that have left even children caught in the crossfire, the government is stepping up its response. Two kids, just two and ten years old, were shot in recent weeks, and now authorities say it’s time for drastic action. Starting Wednesday, the BDF and Coast Guard will join police on the streets of Lake Independence in a major push to restore calm in that community. But what’s behind this surge in crime, and will these measures be enough? Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs, explains why this move is critical.
Cabinet Reviews Budna Report as Pressure Mounts for Outside Investigator Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-07 | Cabinet Reviews Budna Report as Pressure Mounts for Outside InvestigatorTonight, questions swirl around the investigation into alleged police misconduct involving the kidnapping of Joseph Budna. Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa says a detailed report has already been reviewed by Cabinet, but he hasn’t seen it himself. That report, prepared by ACP Suzette Anderson, includes interviews with ten witnesses, surveillance footage, and even identification details. So, what’s next? Musa says the call for an independent investigator is gaining traction. Here’s what he had to say.
Police Still Seeking Suspect Deadly Shooting that Injured Toddler Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-07 | Police Still Seeking Suspect Deadly Shooting that Injured ToddlerTonight, police are still seeking a suspect for last week’s shooting incident that claimed the life of twenty-eight-year-old Dane Gillett and injured three others. Among those injuries, was a two-year-old child, who was struck in the back. Gillett’s murder came just seven months after he had been acquitted of the murder charge in the case of fifteen-year-old Dwayne Gabourel, and continued a streak of violent incidents that have plagued Belize City in recent weeks. Tonight, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Stacy Smith, has more details on the ongoing investigation.
Taxi Operator Charged in Old Belize Murder Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-07 | Taxi Operator Charged in Old Belize MurderA well-known taxi operator is back behind bars tonight, this time accused of murder. Thirty-year-old Joseph Gabourel Vaccaro, who recently walked free from another murder trial, was arraigned today for the September twenty-eighth shooting death of alleged PIV gang member Gaston Barrow. Police say Barrow had just left Old Belize with three companions when their vehicle came under fire. He didn’t survive. Another man, Hance Card, was injured but later released from the hospital, and refused to cooperate with investigators. Vaccaro appeared unrepresented before Chief Magistrate Deborah Rogers this morning. He was charged with a single count of murder, denied bail, and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until January sixth, 2026. But before leaving court, Vaccaro claimed his constitutional rights were violated during detention, saying he was held for nearly ninety-five hours before being charged. Police say surveillance footage led to Vaccaro’s arrest. Tonight, the investigation continues.
Belize Police Department Implements New Strategy to Combat Crime Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-07 | Belize Police Department Implements New Strategy to Combat CrimeBelize City has been grappling with a wave of violence and tonight, police say they’re changing the way they fight crime. The Belize Police Department is rolling out new strategies aimed at modernizing operations and upgrading technology. It’s all part of an effort to refocus, restructure, and rebuild the strength of the department. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith shared how these reforms are designed to curb the rising crime and restore public confidence.
Officer Shot in Line of Duty, Police Still Seeking Suspect Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-07 | Officer Shot in Line of Duty, Police Still Seeking SuspectAmid the slew of gang-related incidents that have gripped Belize City over the past few weeks, a police officer was shot in the line of duty. The officer, Corporal Elvis Guzman, was responding to an attack on Police Street on Wednesday night when he was shot in his arm. The incident unfolded when twenty-six-year-old Ryan Young Jr., was shot by occupants of a black Chevy Equinox, prompting Guzman and another officer who were on patrol, to respond. Both victims were transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment. Tonight, ASP Stacy Smith has the details of the incident.
Caye Caulker Leads Belize’s Cannabis Revolution Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-07 | Caye Caulker Leads Belize’s Cannabis RevolutionBelize may be on the brink of a major shift, and it’s going beyond casual marijuana consumption. It’s about science, health, tourism, and economic opportunity. In Caye Caulker, a bold proposal put forward by village councilor Ilya Rosado is gaining traction: a fully regulated cannabis industry that could change how the island community and, by extension, the country sees marijuana. From doctors to government officials, voices are coming together to say, “It’s time.” And at the heart of it all is a push for medical use that could bring real relief to real people. This morning, proponents of cannabis legalization took center stage at a press conference here in Belize City. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with our first report.
Belizean Car Dealer Dies in RTA in Mexico Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-07 | Belizean Car Dealer Dies in RTA in MexicoOver the weekend, a heartbreaking incident unfolded in Mexico when a Belizean car dealer was killed in road traffic accident. He is thirty-four-year-old Ariel Serrano of Orange Walk district. Reports are that on Saturday Serrano had travelled to Mexico for work, but tragically never return as he was involved in the deadly incident. Tonight, his family remains devasted as they grapple with the sudden loss of Serrano, who was a father of two. We spoke with his family earlier today as they prepared to make the trip to Mexico recover his body. They shared that Serrano, affectionately known as “Pee Milla”, was an ambitious and outgoing man and that his absence will be greatly felt by everyone that knew him.
Mother of Four Found Murdered in Garbage Drum; Suspect in Custody Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-07 | Mother of Four Found Murdered in Garbage Drum; Suspect in CustodyIt’s a story that’s left Belize City shaken. A mother of four, brutally murdered, her body found stuffed inside a garbage drum at a busy intersection. Forty-two-year-old Shaniele Faber’s death has stunned the community, and surveillance footage shows a man dragging that drum in the early hours of Saturday. Following the gruesome incident, police have formally arrested and charged one suspect with the crime of murder. He is fifty-five-year-old Goldburne Adolphus, a security guard of Belize City. Tonight, News Five has those chilling videos, and we’ve spoken with Faber’s grieving family, as well as investigators who are working to piece together what happened. Paul Lopez has the details.
Pawn Shop Burglary Still Unsolved; Family Demands Action Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-07 | Pawn Shop Burglary Still Unsolved; Family Demands ActionA major burglary in August at Kephawn’s Pawn Shop has still gone unsolved. And tonight, a relative of the owner is questioning why justice has been delayed. Darrell Usher, the brother of Dorian Usher, believes that his sibling’s items can still be recovered. He is of the view, however, that due to the significant sum of items stolen and their large value, the corporal charged with investigating the matter is in way over his head. Usher is now calling on the department to have personnel from the Major Crimes Unit lend support to the corporal to conduct a thorough investigation. Usher has been conducting his own investigation and says he has identified the suspects and the vehicle involved. He told us that he had passed all his findings over to the police.
Investigators Weigh Possible Charges After Deadly Explosion Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-06 | Investigators Weigh Possible Charges After Deadly Explosion
Minister Musa: Weed Referendum is a Private Venture. Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-06 | Minister Musa: Weed Referendum is a Private Venture.Join our growing WhatsApp Channel: whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va5uLkF2phHIKGttvv1H.#News5Live #News5Belize #GreaterBelizeMedia #GBM #BelizeNews
‘Hope Not Dope’ march in Caye Caulker Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-04 | ‘Hope Not Dope’ march in Caye Caulker .Join our growing WhatsApp Channel: whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va5uLkF2phHIKGttvv1H.#News5Live #News5Belize #GreaterBelizeMedia #GBM #BelizeNewsVisit youtube.com/gbtvfeed for the live stream of the entire newscast, or visit www.channel5belize.com for a text transcript.
Young Belizean Entrepreneur Opens Call for Ride Share Drivers Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-04 | Young Belizean Entrepreneur Opens Call for Ride Share Drivers A young Belizean is steering innovation in local transportation. At just eighteen years old, Joshua Lauriano is turning heads with his daring new startup, Compass Ride Sharing Service. It’s a startup born right here in Belize City, and it promises to change the way we move around. Lauriano says his vision is simple: to make transportation more convenient and accessible for Belizeans. And tonight, that vision is taking shape. Compass Ride Sharing is officially open for business, and for drivers. The call is out for those who want to join his team and be part of this new chapter in Belize’s transport sector. We caught up with Lauriano earlier today to learn more about what inspired this ambitious leap and what commuters can expect when Compass hits the road..Join our growing WhatsApp Channel: whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va5uLkF2phHIKGttvv1H.#News5Live #News5Belize #GreaterBelizeMedia #GBM #BelizeNews
Home Affairs Ministry Disputes Drug Plane Report, Cites Inflated Figures Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-04 | Home Affairs Ministry Disputes Drug Plane Report, Cites Inflated FiguresTonight, the Ministry of Home Affairs is pushing back against explosive claims about drug plane landings in Belize. A recent report from the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project suggests that more than seventy drug flights from Venezuela touched down here between 2020 and 2021. But the ministry says hold on, that number’s way off. In a press release issued today, officials say the real figure is closer to twenty-five, not seventy. Interestingly, the ministry didn’t respond directly to the international report, but instead addressed a local social media post that cited the investigation. The original article, titled ‘Leaked Emails Reveal “Air Bridge” of Drug Flights from Venezuela to Belize’, claims U.S. alerts sent to Mexican authorities flagged dozens of suspicious flights landing in Belize. While it’s true that those years saw a spike in drug plane activity, the ministry insists the numbers have been exaggerated, and they’re not taking it lightly. News Five’s Paul Lopez has more on the government’s response and what it means for Belize’s fight against narco-trafficking..Join our growing WhatsApp Channel: whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va5uLkF2phHIKGttvv1H.#News5Live #News5Belize #GreaterBelizeMedia #GBM #BelizeNews
Belizeans React to ComPol Rosado’s Return from Leave Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Belizeans React to ComPol Rosado’s Return from LeaveIt’s been four days since Dr. Richard Rosado returned to his post as Commissioner of Police. Rosado had been placed on forty-five days leave during the police’s investigation into the abduction of Joseph Budna. However, just twenty-three days into his leave, Assistant Commissioner Suzette Anderson submitted her report, which found no evidence implicating Rosado and he was immediately asked to resume his duties. His return was slammed by Opposition Leader, Tracy Taegar-Panton, who called it a “direct insult” to the Belizean people. Although Cabinet has given the green light for an independent investigation, critics argue that their faith in the department has been compromised. Today, we asked Belizeans how confident they feel in Commissioner Rosado’s leadership and the police department’s ability to tackle the recent surge in crime across Belize City.
BelCan Bridge Redesign Unveiled Amid Controversy Over Alleged Design Theft Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | BelCan Bridge Redesign Unveiled Amid Controversy Over Alleged Design TheftThis afternoon, traffic slowed to a crawl as the BelCan Bridge was blocked off for the official unveiling of the design for its long-awaited replacement. The new BelCan Bridge isn’t just about crossing Haulover Creek. Officials describe it as a modern, resilient design that reflects safety, connection, and progress. By day, it will stand out as a sleek landmark, and by night, it will shine with lights for safe travel. The project will be fully funded through a grant from the Government of Taiwan, with the Government of Belize as the recipient. The Belize City Council will serve as the local implementing partner, working with ministries and agencies to ensure that community priorities are considered throughout construction. But today’s unveiling wasn’t without controversy. Local firm M&M Designs is accusing the supervising consultant, Turbo Solutions, of stealing their original design back in 2022. When pressed on the allegation, Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner declined to comment directly.
After Delays and Funding Struggles, BelCan Bridge to Be Rebuilt Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | After Delays and Funding Struggles, BelCan Bridge to Be RebuiltFor years, Belize City residents have voiced growing concerns about the aging BelCan Bridge; cracks, corrosion, and warnings of dangerous conditions have all pointed to one thing: urgent action was needed. And today, that action has finally arrived. The Government of Belize has officially unveiled the BelCan Bridge Replacement Project, marking a major step forward in addressing long-standing infrastructure issues. The bridge, built in 1969 through a Canadian aid program, has served the city for over five decades. But time has taken its toll. Structural assessments revealed serious deterioration, prompting the Ministry of Infrastructure Development to sound the alarm. Financing, however, remained a hurdle, until now. Here’s a look at how we got here..Join our growing WhatsApp Channel: whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va5uLkF2phHIKGttvv1H.#News5Live #News5Belize #GreaterBelizeMedia #GBM #BelizeNews
Lords Bank Drug Bust Nets Cash, Cannabis, and Charges Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Tonight, a major drug bust in rural Belize has landed two young adults in serious trouble with the law. Earlier today, police carried out a house search in Lords Bank Village and what they found was more than just a stash. Inside the home were twenty-seven-year-old Andre Lewis Belisle, an office assistant, and twenty-one-year-old Monica Olga Bowden, a call center agent. Officers discovered cannabis hidden throughout the house, over two thousand, two hundred grams, or nearly five pounds of it. But that’s not all. A licensed Glock pistol, one hundred rounds of ammunition, and twenty-seven thousand, sixty-five dollars in cash were also seized. All items have been sealed and labeled as exhibits as the investigation continues. Tonight, both Belisle and Bowden are facing three counts of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply. Police say they’re not ruling out further charges as they dig deeper into the case..Join our growing WhatsApp Channel: whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va5uLkF2phHIKGttvv1H.#News5Live #News5Belize #GreaterBelizeMedia #GBM #BelizeNews
Belizeans React to Crime Spike in Old Capital Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Belizeans React to Crime Spike in Old CapitalThere’s been a concerning spike in violent crimes over the past month, with several murders occurring within the same week. This rise has been linked to the growing tensions between rival gangs in Belize City, prompting the Belize Police Department to increase police presence in affected areas. On Tuesday, Commissioner of Police, Dr. Richard Rosado, returned to his post following a Police Inquiry Report into the Budna investigation. And, while there has been no official announcement of a State of Emergency, many citizens are raising questions about what is being done to safeguard citizen security. Today, we took to the streets of Belize City to hear from residents about how safe they feel in their communities.
Second Suspect Charged in Geoffrey Crawford Murder Case Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Second Suspect Charged in Geoffrey Crawford Murder CaseTonight, there’s a major development in a chilling murder case that’s haunted Crooked Tree Village since 2021. It was a crime that shocked the community, a sixty-nine-year-old retiree, Geoffrey Crawford, kidnapped from his home, brutally bludgeoned, and buried in a shallow grave just steps from where he lived. Back then, police arrested one man, forty-one-year-old Maurice Usher, a construction worker from Taylor’s Alley in Belize City. But the investigation didn’t stop there. After years of digging and persistence, police have now made a second arrest. This morning, thirty-one-year-old Patrick Lloyd Young, a sanitation worker from Dangriga, was escorted to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. He’s now facing a joint murder charge alongside Usher. Young appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Mannon Dennison, who explained that his case will follow the same path as his co-accused, heading to the High Court after preliminary inquiry. Usher’s case has already been committed for trial, and both men remain on remand at the Belize Central Prison. The arrest of Young marks a significant breakthrough in a case that’s lingered for over four years, and tonight, the family of Geoffrey Crawford may be one step closer to justice.
PSU Awaits Response from PM Briceno over Belize Tax Service Transition Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | PSU Awaits Response from PM Briceno over Belize Tax Service TransitionToday marked the deadline for the government’s response on plans of making the Belize Tax Service into a statutory body. And so far, no reply has come. Two weeks ago, the Public Service Union wrote directly to the Prime Minister, and more than a month after their first position letter, which warned of serious risks to national revenue and the welfare of its members, they say they still have not received even an acknowledgment. Attached to the September nineteenth letter were seventy-two transfer requests from Tax Service employees, with today, October third, marking the official deadline for a response. This morning, PSU president Dean Flowers informed News Five that the government has yet to reply, and the union will now meet with its membership to decide on the next steps. Here is what Flowers said last week.
Knitted Knockers Restores Dignity for Women with Mastectomies Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Knitted Knockers Restores Dignity for Women with MastectomiesBreast cancer is a battle fought on many fronts: against fear, against uncertainty, and against the physical scars it leaves behind. And each year, thousands of women choose life through mastectomies, but the cost is often their sense of wholeness and dignity. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we look beyond the fight for survival and instead to the journey of restoration, where compassion, creativity, and community are stitched together in the form of Knitted Knockers. This month, News Five’s Sabreena Daly is setting out to find stories that restore dignity. Here’s what she found for this week’s look on the Bright Side.
Veteran Bus Operator Takes the Wheel as New BBA President Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Veteran Bus Operator Takes the Wheel as New BBA PresidentThere’s a new face at the helm of the Belize Bus Association and he’s no stranger to the road. On Sunday, the association held its elections and voted in Phillip Jones as its new president. Jones has been a dedicated bus operator since 1997, and with nearly three decades of experience under his belt, he’s stepping into leadership at a time when the industry is facing some serious challenges. Today, we caught up with Jones to hear about his vision for the future of public transportation and how he plans to steer the association forward.
New BBA President Urges Cautious Optimism on National Company Plans Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | New BBA President Urges Cautious Optimism on National Company PlansAs the newly elected president of the Belize Bus Association, Phillip Jones is already weighing in on one of the biggest developments in public transportation, the Ministry of Transport’s move to establish a National Bus Company. We asked Jones for his thoughts, and while he says bus operators are open to dialogue, there’s a sense of cautious optimism. Past experiences have left many in the industry wary, and according to Jones, that sentiment is shared by most of the association’s membership. Still, there’s a willingness to listen, and a hope that this time, collaboration will lead to meaningful progress.
Who Speaks for Bus Operators, Chester or Phillip Jones? Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Who Speaks for Bus Operators, Chester or Phillip Jones?But there’s a bit of a tug-of-war over who really has the backing of Belize’s bus operators. The Ministry of Transport says its plans for a National Bus Company are getting solid support from members of the Belize Bus Association. But CEO Chester Williams is going a step further, claiming the association only represents a small fraction of the industry. Well, that didn’t sit well with newly elected BBA President Phillip Jones. He’s not letting that slide, saying that’s simply not true, and he’s got reasons to prove it.
Agriculture Minister Jose Mai Denies Criminal Allegations Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Agriculture Minister Jose Mai Denies Criminal AllegationsMinister of Agriculture Jose Mai is firing back tonight at what he calls a ‘highly defamatory’ and completely fake social media post. The viral claim attempts to link him to criminal activity both locally and across borders, but Minister Mai isn’t having it. In a strongly worded release, he refers to himself in the third person, saying ‘The Minister of Agriculture categorically denies all allegations.’ He goes further, accusing what he calls ‘fake news media’ of teaming up with political opponents from the UDP to smear his reputation. The statement calls the post ‘brazen and cowardly,’ and warns that legal action is coming for those behind it. Minister Mai also cites laws on defamation and cyberbullying, urging the public not to fall for what he describes as yet another attempt to tarnish his name. When we reached out for comment today, the Minister declined to speak further.
Benque Mayor Urges Road Safety Amid Rising Traffic Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Benque Mayor Urges Road Safety Amid Rising TrafficTonight, the Mayor of Benque Viejo is sounding the alarm on road safety. Jorge Rosales says the town council has been working hard, raising awareness and enforcing traffic rules, but the message isn’t getting through. He points to pedestrians, especially students, who continue to misuse the roadways, putting themselves in danger. And with traffic on the rise, the risk is even greater. But Mayor Rosales says the biggest offenders are taxi drivers, whose reckless use of the roads is making a bad situation worse.
What Would an Independent Budna Investigation Look Like? Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | What Would an Independent Budna Investigation Look Like?Cabinet has given the green light for an independent investigation into the abduction of Joseph Budna. This comes after weeks of public pressure and criticism over the police-led probe, which many felt lacked transparency and could have been influenced from within. This move is unprecedented, Belize has never conducted an independent criminal investigation before, and there’s no clear constitutional framework for how it should work. We spoke with attorney Dickie Bradley, who shared what he believes would ensure a fair and credible process.
Discovering St. Herman’s Blue Hole: Belize’s Hidden Gem Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Discovering St. Herman’s Blue Hole: Belize’s Hidden GemWhile the world marvels at Belize’s Great Blue Hole, there’s another natural sinkhole tucked away in St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park. It’s perfect for swimming, hiking, and discovering ancient Maya history, all within a protected area managed by the Belize Audubon Society. Our Zenida Lanza takes us there to uncover what makes this park a favorite for locals and tourists, in tonight’s edition of Belize on Reel.
Senator Faber Questions Public Awareness of CARICOM Agreement Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Senator Faber Questions Public Awareness of CARICOM AgreementWednesday marked the first day of CARICOM’s Free Movement of Persons across Belize, Barbados, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Under this agreement, residents of these countries can now live, work, or study indefinitely across these borders once they receive the stamp of approval. While the move has been supported by the government, opposition senator Patrick Faber raised concerns at a UDP press conference on Wednesday. He said that the general public, business owners, and even churches may not fully understand what this agreement means and challenged the media to find out if people are aware of this historic step.
How Much Do Belizeans Know About Free Movement? Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | How Much Do Belizeans Know About Free Movement?While CARICOM’s Free Movement of Persons officially took effect on Wednesday, questions remain about whether Belizeans fully know the details of this agreement. The government says it is committed to ensuring the public is informed, but opposition leaders, like Senator Patrick Faber, are calling for greater outreach. In countries like Barbados, the Prime Minister held a press conference to inform citizens, but Belize had no such event. Senator Faber challenged the media to hit the streets and see if Belizeans truly know what this new step entails, and that’s exactly what we did.
Is Belize Paying Too Much for Public Land? Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Is Belize Paying Too Much for Public Land?A recent High Court ruling has raised serious questions about how much money the Government of Belize pays when acquiring private land for public use. Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton is calling out what she describes as a troubling trend: buying land cheaply, then compensating owners at inflated market prices. She argues this isn’t just bad policy, it’s corruption. One case, involving land within a nature reserve, has sparked debate over whether public interest is being undermined by speculative land deals. Should Belize have clearer rules to prevent this kind of payout? And who really benefits when public funds are used this way?
Attorney Calls Belize’s Marijuana Laws ‘Grossly Outdated’ Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Attorney Calls Belize’s Marijuana Laws ‘Grossly Outdated’Since 2017, Belizeans caught with small amounts of marijuana, ten grams or less, haven’t faced criminal charges. It was a move many saw as progress, maybe even a step toward full legalization. Sounds good, right? Well…while you can possess it, you still can’t legally buy, sell, or grow it. That contradiction is now front and center as Caye Caulker prepares for a historic vote. On October eighth, residents will decide whether to legalize and regulate cannabis on the island, a move that could open the door to a national industry. Supporters say it’s about revenue, regulation, and community empowerment. Critics warn of banking risks and youth exposure. And this Friday, the Cannabis Legalization Campaign Committee will host a press conference in Belize City to break down what the law really says and what a ‘yes’ vote could mean. Today, attorney Dickie Bradley weighed in on the debate.
Salary Dispute Resolved, Classes Resume in Corozal Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Salary Dispute Resolved, Classes Resume in CorozalNews Five has confirmed that the teachers’ sickout at the Corozal Community College has come to an end after three straight days. We have been reliably informed that teachers finally received their salary and resumed classes today. The protest stemmed from the teachers not receiving their salaries that were due to them at the end of last week. On Wednesday the staff at the Corozal Junior College called for the removal of its Finance Officer. They accused him of creating a hostile work environment, withholding salaries and abusing his position. We understand that the teachers at the Corozal Community College scheduled a meeting with the school’s board this afternoon. We will provide an update of that meeting when the information becomes available.
The Official Ceremony for the 44th Anniversary of Belizes Independence Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | The Official Ceremony for the 44th Anniversary of Belize's Independence
Elmer Nah’s House Search Under Scrutiny in Triple Murder Trial Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Elmer Nah’s House Search Under Scrutiny in Triple Murder TrialThe trial of ex-cop Elmer Nah, accused in a triple murder, resumed with intense focus on a New Year’s Eve house search. Officer Jerome Middleton testified about the search, which was captured on body cam footage. But defense attorney Dr. Lynden Jones grilled him on the legality of the operation, pointing out that the search warrant was read after midnight, outside the permitted hours. Three of four videos were played in court, showing police combing through Nah’s home, room by room. No weapon was found, but a headlamp and a Battle Dress Uniform were taken as evidence. Jones argued the warrant didn’t authorize those seizures. Nah, who claims he was pepper-sprayed in prison days earlier, was granted a one-day adjournment for medical attention. His doctor confirmed eye irritation and classified the injury as “harm.” The trial continues with IT experts and FBI personnel expected to testify next week. The defense will also call witnesses before wrapping up its case.
Dickie Bradley: No Evidence Yet, DPP Must Stay Out of Probe Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Dickie Bradley: No Evidence Yet, DPP Must Stay Out of ProbeIt’s been six months since that big Customs drug bust and now, two officers are officially charged. Siblings Atlee Castillo and Cheryl Castillo-Moreno are accused of helping to bring more than one hundred and fifty pounds of marijuana into Belize. They pleaded not guilty in court today, denying any connection to the drugs. Their attorney, Dickie Bradley, says he hasn’t seen a shred of evidence linking them to the crime and is calling for a fair investigation.
Two Customs Officers Linked to 150-Pound Cannabis Seizure Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Two Customs Officers Linked to 150-Pound Cannabis SeizureBack in April, the Customs and Excise Department made headlines after a major drug bust, about sixteen pounds of cannabis found in sealed packages coming from the U.S. But what was really shocking was that two customs officers were tied to the investigation. Fast forward to today and fifty-one-year-old Atlee Castillo and his sister, forty-five-year-old Cheryl Castillo-Moreno, are now facing charges for abetment to the importation of controlled drugs. On April fourth, around four p.m., a customs officer discovered five boxes packed with over a hundred parcels of marijuana, more than one hundred and fifty pounds in total. That officer claims he got two phone calls from the accused, allegedly instructing him to clear those packages. Today, both siblings appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail of twenty thousand dollars each, plus four sureties of five thousand dollars. After the hearing, we spoke with their attorney, Richard ‘Dickie’ Bradley, who says his clients were mistreated during their arrest.
Deadly Shooting in Belize City Leaves One Dead, Toddler Hospitalized Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Deadly Shooting in Belize City Leaves One Dead, Toddler HospitalizedA twenty-eight-year-old man is dead, while a toddler and two other men remain hospitalized, following a shooting incident in Majestic Alley. Gun violence has gripped the Old Capital over the last seven days, leading to multiple deaths and injuries. That violence continued last night when a gunman took aim at a group of people who were socializing in front of an apartment building. There are now renewed calls for the declaration of a state of emergency, in the aftermath of this incident. News Five’s Paul Lopez visited the scene and spoke with residents, including the mother of the two-year-old boy who was also shot. He filed the following report.
Four Years Later, Second Arrest in Elderly Man’s Murder Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Four Years Later, Second Arrest in Elderly Man’s MurderSixty-nine-year-old Geoffrey Crawford was abducted from his home in September 2021. The elderly man was assisting a pair of men with jumpstarting their vehicle. Two days after he was taken, Crawford’s body was found inside a shallow grave along a feeder road near Biscayne Village. His stolen vehicle was found fifty yards or so from where his body was recovered. It’s been four years since the tragic incident and police have finally been able to bring a murder charge against another suspect whom they believe participated in the heinous incident. Thirty-one-year-old Patrick Young, a laborer from Dangriga, now joins Maurice Usher, who was arrested and charged in October 2021, as the men investigators believe carried out the senseless act.
KHMH Urges Public to Help End Gun Violence in Belize City Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | KHMH Urges Public to Help End Gun Violence in Belize CityWhile the Belize Police Department has chosen to remain silent on the recent spike in gang-related murders, tonight, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority is weighing in on the spate of gun violence that has gripped Belize City. A release from the hospital says, quote, “every day our doctors, nurses, and staff dedicate themselves to saving lives, comforting families, and restoring health. Yet, we are increasingly confronted with the painful reality of interpersonal violence in our streets, homes and communities…and sometimes even at our hospital doors”, unquote. The release notes that every bullet fired, and stab wound, creates indiscriminate ripples that extend far beyond its target, to families, health workers, police officers and the nation. The hospital is calling on every member of the public to join them in being a part of the solution to the violence plaguing the city. It says that violence does not solve problems, it tears communities and families apart, while endangering children, traumatizing survivors and overwhelming health care systems.
Two Officers Shot At in Belize City After Majestic Alley Murder Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | Two Officers Shot At in Belize City After Majestic Alley MurderAnd, just five minutes after that deadly shooting in Majestic Alley, two police officers came under gunfire on Police Street in Belize City. Reports are that Corporal Elvis Guzman and Detective Constable Christian Reyes were patrolling the area when they heard gunshots. The gunshots they heard came from a black Chevy Equinox. An occupant of the vehicle took aim at twenty-six-year-old Ryan Young Junior, while he was on Police Street. Young was hit multiple times and rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. In the immediate aftermath of that incident officers Guzman and Reyes pursued the Equinox down Police Street. Two male persons fired several shots at the police vehicle from inside the Chevy Equinox. Corporal Guzman was hit in the arm. He was also transported to the KHMH for treatment. No suspects have been identified in that shooting.
New BelCan Bridge Design Unveiled Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-03 | New BelCan Bridge Design Unveiled.Join our growing WhatsApp Channel: whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va5uLkF2phHIKGttvv1H.#News5Live #News5Belize #GreaterBelizeMedia #GBM #BelizeNews
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Study Finds Non-Violent Offenders More Likely to Reoffend in Belize Greater Belize Media | GBM 2025-10-01 | Study Finds Non-Violent Offenders More Likely to Reoffend in BelizeHow likely are Belize’s prisoners to return behind bars? A new study by Terrence Alladin sheds some light on recidivism in Belize’s correctional system. In it, he found that it costs about three thousand, six hundred and fifty dollars a year to keep one prisoner, and while exact reoffending rates are difficult to measure, Belize’s numbers remain relatively low compared to many developed countries. The study revealed some striking patterns in that non-violent offenders are more likely to return to prison than violent ones. Furthermore, Creoles face a slightly higher risk of reincarceration than other ethnic groups. Between 2019 and 2021, recidivism fluctuated from twenty-six percent in 2019, climbing to forty-four percent in 2020, before falling again to twenty-four percent in 2021. Alladin links much of this to social and economic inequality, with many offenders coming from poor communities affected by outdated laws. Still, he notes Belize’s comparatively low recidivism rate stands out as a reflection of its unique approach to corrections and peacemaking criminology...Join our growing WhatsApp Channel: whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va5uLkF2phHIKGttvv1H.#News5Live #News5Belize #GreaterBelizeMedia #GBM #BelizeNews
