News 5 Live

News 5 Live News 5 Live is the flagship news program of Greater Belize Media ever since its premiere on December 9, 1991.
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08/01/2026

Open Your Eyes
Segment 1. · Connecting Past and Present Through Mayan Genetics

Segment 2. · Why Braille Still Matters in a Digital Age

Segment 3. · Reflecting on Electoral Reform and Representation in Belize

Segment 4. · BCC Speaks on Complaint Enforcement & Property Taxes

08/01/2026

Caledonia Considers Police Help as Roadside Dumping Persists

Meanwhile, in Caledonia, residents say they’ve had enough. Frustration is continuing to grow over a long standing garbage problem at the village entrance, where roadside dumping persists despite repeated clean up efforts and posted warning signs. Community members say the situation has become more than just an eyesore. They warn that the buildup of trash, made worse by division and neglect, poses a danger to both motorists and residents, while also leaving a poor first impression of the village. Earlier, we spoke with Caledonia Village Council Vice Chairperson Docia Chan, who stressed that keeping the village entrance clean remains a top priority. She also cautioned that if the dumping continues, the council may have no choice but to seek assistance from police to address the problem.
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08/01/2026

Belize Bank Earns Double A Plus Rating from Regional Evaluator

Belize Bank is celebrating a major win tonight. The bank has earned a double A plus credit rating from Caribbean Information and Credit Rating Services, CariCRIS, a strong vote of confidence in its financial strength and stability. Belize Bank first invited CariCRIS to independently assess its operations back in 2019 and has been working with the rating agency ever since. Today, we sat down with Executive Director, Filippo Alario, to talk about what this rating really means, not just for the bank, but for the future of banking in Belize.
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08/01/2026

Uncertainty Surrounds LIU Gang Employment Program

It’s widely regarded as one of the most unpopular government programs in Belize, the Leadership Intervention Unit’s gang jobs initiative. The unit employs young men from gang infested neighborhoods, who have long been cast aside by the formal employment sector, for beautification projects in their own community. The average worker is paid three hundred and fifty dollars twice a month, with supervisors earning a bit more. However, with the Belize City Council recently awarding a cleaning and beautification contract to Lawrence Ellis’s Reliable Waste Solutions for thirty-three thousand dollars weekly, there are even more questions on the necessity of the LIU program. We tracked down Acting Director of the Leadership Intervention Unit Andrew Dawson and asked if their program is still alive.
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08/01/2026

Venezuela, Oil, and Power: Is the Monroe Doctrine Back?

Venezuela is back in the global spotlight, and it’s not just because of its oil. Once again, the country finds itself at the center of a geopolitical storm fueled by power struggles, pressure from Washington, and deep questions about leadership and accountability. Allegations ranging from narco terrorism to human rights abuses continue to swirl around President Nicolás Maduro and his inner circle, even as dramatic claims involving U.S. actions add to the sense of uncertainty. At the same time, the region is shifting. Belize restructured its Petrocaribe debt, and the United States signals renewed interest in Venezuela’s vast energy reserves. Together, these developments raise a bigger question: Are we witnessing the start of a new phase of U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere, or the modern revival of the Monroe Doctrine? We take a deeper look at the issue in this week’s Five Point Breakdown. Here's Paul Lopez.
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08/01/2026

Transferred Police Officers Still Owed Allowances Months Later

We’re learning tonight that dozens of police officers could be owed money that they’ve been waiting on for months, and in some cases, years. News Five has been reliably informed that as many as two dozen officers who were transferred or promoted are still waiting for their transfer grants, housing allowances, and salary adjustments. In one case, an officer promoted and transferred to Belize City more than a year ago is reportedly still waiting for any increase in pay or allowances, even as the cost of working far from home continues to add up. In another, an officer transferred from Belmopan to Belize City has been waiting for nearly two years, commuting daily, and still without those promised payments. When we reached out to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Chief Executive Officer Rear Admiral Elton Bennett told us he was not aware of the delays but stressed that there has been no change in policy and that officers will receive what they’re entitled to. The President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, Ella Waight, also weighed in, saying the union is ready to support the affected officers as they seek answers and relief.

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08/01/2026

No Ombudsman, Fewer Safeguards for Belizeans

Belize is still without an Ombudsman, and that’s raising serious concerns. The position, which many see as a last line of defense for everyday citizens facing unfair or illegal treatment by public authorities, remains vacant after the previous Ombudsman’s contract was not renewed. Now, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize is sounding the alarm, warning that this absence weakens accountability and leaves vulnerable citizens, especially those who can’t afford a lawyer, with fewer options for justice.

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08/01/2026

Civil Aviation Pushes Forward on Drone Regulations

And now, an important update for Belize’s growing drone community. The Belize Department of Civil Aviation says it’s heard the concerns, loud and clear. The agency has acknowledged feedback from drone operators and other stakeholders and confirms that it’s reviewing those concerns as part of an ongoing consultation process. What’s more, regulators say an open meeting is in the works, giving drone operators the chance to hear directly from the BDCA, and to raise their questions and concerns face to face. While many in the industry are welcoming that step as a sign of progress, the department is also emphasizing urgency, noting that it has a responsibility to move quickly when it comes to safeguarding Belize’s national airspace.

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08/01/2026

Motorcycle Accidents Renew Safety Concerns

Since the start of 2026, Belize has recorded several motorcycle related incidents across the country. On January third, Brian Miguel was killed after being thrown from his motorbike during a collision with a Ford F 150 along the George Price Highway. Just days later, eight year old Karter Benedit of Hopkins Village remains hospitalized after being struck by a motorcycle while crossing the street after school. The recent crashes have renewed urgent calls for stronger road safety measures, particularly near schools, highlighting the dangers of reckless riding and the serious consequences for both motorists and pedestrians. Even before this latest incident, Transport CEO Chester Williams confirmed that Cabinet has been reviewing new measures aimed at tightening motorcycle training requirements and strengthening enforcement.
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08/01/2026

Inside the Collapse of American Northwest University

For dozens of aspiring doctors, the path to a medical career began at American Northwest University. But that promise has collapsed into silence and uncertainty. The school marketed itself as an international medical institution in Belize, offering accredited medical degrees, U.S. clinical rotations, and government recognition. Students bought in, investing thousands of dollars and years of their lives. Then, without warning, the school shut down. No notice. No refunds. No answers. The campus now sits locked and abandoned. The Ministry of Education has since confirmed the school’s charter expired in mid 2024 and was never renewed, while legal troubles overseas involving a senior figure have raised further concerns. Now facing financial loss and stalled careers, many students say they’re afraid to speak out after being warned of possible legal consequences. Tonight, we examine how this happened, and who is responsible, when a medical school disappears, leaving future doctors in limbo. Reporter Shane Williams has the following story.

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08/01/2026

Belmopan Robbery Leaves Delivery Driver Dead

Tonight, a shocking act of violence in Belmopan has claimed the life of yet another delivery driver, raising renewed concerns about public safety. Shortly after five o’clock this afternoon, a Caribbean Chicken delivery truck was ambushed near Sunny City Supermarket in what police believe was an attempted robbery. The driver, identified as Mark Gabourel of Bella Vista Village, was traveling through the area when two men on a motorcycle pulled alongside his vehicle. Reports indicate that Gabourel initially pulled over, but moments later, the gunmen opened fire on the truck. He was struck twice in the head. The attackers then fled the scene before police could arrive. Gabourel was rushed to the Western Regional Hospital, where, despite the efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced dead on arrival. This latest killing has sent shockwaves through the community and has drawn painful comparisons to a similar daylight robbery in December, when Sarita delivery drivers Raynard Garbutt and Alexander Crawford were gunned down while on duty. Police say investigations into today’s shooting are ongoing, and they are urging anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, the incident has once again put the spotlight on the dangers faced by delivery drivers and the growing threat of violent robberies across the country. We will continue to follow this developing story and bring you updates as more information becomes available.
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