News 5 Belize
banner
news5belize.bsky.social
News 5 Belize
@news5belize.bsky.social
After 34 incredible years of bringing you Belizean news, entertainment, and stories that matter, we’re turning the page to an exciting new chapter.
Images from retail centres showed extended checkout lines, packed parking areas, and shoppers filling carts as they made use of the temporary tax break.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/gst-free-wee...
GST-Free Weekend Brought Out Shopping Rush Ahead of Christmas
Belizeans flooded stores across the country over the weekend as the GST-free shopping days ahead of Christmas got underway.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 22, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Other robberies over the weekend include a reported armed robbery attempt involving two men on a motorcycle trying to rob a delivery worker in Belize City.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/more-robberi...
More Robberies Over the Weekend, Two Men Detained
Two Cayo District men are in police custody following the robbery of two female tourists in San Ignacio late Friday night.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 22, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Sixty families in Belize City received Christmas grocery hampers from Puma Energy Belize on Thursday. It is part of the company’s 13-year-long partnership with the Yabra Community Policing Unit.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/christmas-ha...
Christmas Hampers Put Smiles on Sixty Families
Sixty families in Belize City received Christmas grocery hampers from Puma Energy Belize on Thursday. It is part of the company's 13-year-long partnership with the Yabra Community Policing Unit.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 19, 2025 at 9:51 PM
The order would move cannabis out of the most restricted category under US law, where it sits alongside heroin and LSD.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/trump-orders...
Trump Orders Marijuana Reclassification
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to fast-track review of its federal classification.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 19, 2025 at 9:29 PM
The newly appointed CEO of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, went straight to the frontlines of Belize City’s gang zones on Thursday.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/newly-appoin...
Newly Appointed Home Affairs CEO Bennet Enters Belize City's Gang Zones
The newly appointed CEO of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, went straight to the frontlines of Belize City’s gang zones on Thursday.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 19, 2025 at 9:04 PM
In the recent days, authorities have urged the public and businesses to stay vigilant. Police have recommended establishments hire security and prioritise online transactions over cash.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/should-beliz...
Should Belize Toughen Laws to Defend Against Attackers?
Belize has seen a sharp rise in burglaries that have raised questions about how far citizens can go to protect themselves and their property.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 19, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Installation is already under way, starting in Belize City, Ambergris Caye, and Placencia, with nationwide rollout planned over three years.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/big-changes-...
Big Changes Are Coming to Belize’s Power Grid
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has secured a USD 27.53 million financing package from the Caribbean Development Bank to overhaul Belize’s electricity grid and roll out smart meters nationwide.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 19, 2025 at 6:53 PM
“We are definitely not ignoring the issue,” she said. “The council has been documenting incidents, and we have been engaging in different interagency discussions..."

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/heres-why-ho...
Here’s Why Horses Remain on Belize City Streets
Belize City Councillor Kaya Cattouse says the City Council lacks the "legal authority to enforce" action against horses being kept in the city, despite growing public anger over repeated abuse cases.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 19, 2025 at 4:04 PM
"“It goes to show you how well behaved we are... We could argue with one another in the House, and when that’s done, we are hugging one another and talking like we’re friends.”

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/pm-briceno-o...
PM Briceño on Belize Parliament: “We Argue… Then Hug and Talk Like Friends”
Belize’s lawmakers may argue fiercely, but they do not come to blows, Prime Minister John Briceño said.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Bowman was 34 years old and a resident of Belmopan when he was reported missing in November 2020. His decomposing body was discovered nearly three weeks later on December 16 along the George Price Highway.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/two-years-la...
Two Years Later, Convicted Killer Hildebrandt Codd Still at Large
Two years after escaping lawful custody, convicted murderer Hildebrandt Codd remains on the run following his guilty verdict for the killing of Densmore Bowman.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 18, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Williams added that all movements must now be escorted by police or Department of Transport vehicles with revolving lights.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/ceo-williams...
CEO Williams: Houses Must Be Dismantled Before Transported
The Ministry of Transport has further tightened restrictions on the transport of houses and oversized loads after two fatal road accidents.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 18, 2025 at 10:10 PM
The family is still mourning the death of Raynard Garbutt Jr, who was murdered last Thursday along with his colleague Robert Crawford.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/second-perso...
Second Person Killed in Less Than a Month by Highway House Collision
Dean Perez, 38, became the second person in under a month to die following a collision with a house being transported on the George Price Highway near Mile 18 on Wednesday night.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 18, 2025 at 10:06 PM
In an interview on Wednesday, PM Briceño described the meeting as constructive. He said that while the government and unions approach issues from different perspectives, they were able to reach agreements.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/pm-briceno-s...
PM Briceño Sets 2026 Agenda for Workers with NTUCB
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) met with Prime Minister John Briceño on Monday, December 15, to discuss national and labour issues affecting workers across the country.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 18, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Magaña leaves behind three children, two boys and a girl. “One of the boys is 10 years, and the little girl is six to seven years old, and then there’s a baby of almost two years,” Nibul added.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/mother-deman...
Mother Demands Justice After Losing Second Son to Hit-and-Run
An early morning hit-and-run has claimed the life of 31-year-old security guard Mark “Bul” Magaña. His family is now demanding justice.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 18, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Any shares not purchased by individuals will then be offered to institutional investors that have voiced their interest, such as the Social Security Board and Holy Redeemer Credit Union.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/pm-briceno-o...
PM Briceño on Hydro Belize Share Offer: 'I Think Belizeans Should Invest'
Belizeans will soon have the chance to own a part of the country’s electricity system as the government launches the sale of Hydro Belize shares.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 17, 2025 at 9:20 PM
This initiative has turned six pilot schools into 78 centres that now reach 15,000 students.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/belize-joins...
Belize Joins Latin American and Caribbean Schools to Promote Healthy Eating
Belize joined 10 other Latin American and Caribbean countries to serve up healthier school meals while inspiring regional innovation in sustainable school feeding.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Business Senator Kevin Herrera also supported the motion but raised concerns about the design. “I am not feeling it looking at the logo,” he said, expressing hope that democratic ideals could be better reflected in future revisions.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/senate-appro...
Senate Approves New Parliamentary Logo
The Senate has approved the formal adoption of a new official logo for the National Assembly of Belize. This change gives the country’s legislature a clear and modern identity.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:46 PM
The Senate has approved a motion to amend its Standing Orders to allow virtual meetings during emergencies or when circumstances require it.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/senate-moves...
Senate Moves to Formalise Virtual Meetings
The Senate has approved a motion to amend its Standing Orders to allow virtual meetings during emergencies or when circumstances require it.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:55 PM
“We cannot say that we cannot expect this in the community; the community is growing, and business is growing in the community,” Tzib added. “... but now we have to be more cautious.”

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/san-antonio-...
San Antonio Village Council Steps Up Security After Armed Robbery
The San Antonio Village Council says security measures are being strengthened after Monday’s daytime armed robbery at Cross Road Grocery Store.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Dennison said he provided proof that he was not involved in the robbery. “I show them my video camera, I de da shop when the crime happen, my lawyer give it in,” he said.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/man-alleges-...
Man Alleges Police Harassment After Repeated Detention
A Lord’s Bank resident is accusing police of harassment after being detained as part of a robbery investigation and later released without charge.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Police say Soto was escorted from the cell block to court for his hearing. While inside the court compound, he was left unattended and walked out of the building without being stopped.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/burglary-sus...
Burglary Suspect Walks Out of Orange Walk Court
Police are searching for Juan Soto after he escaped from custody at the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court. Soto is facing three burglary charges.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Garbutt told News 5 the approval was granted out of what he described as “ignorance” of the specific restrictions at the time. He said there was no intention to cause harm and added that he was serving in an interim capacity.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/environmenta...
Environmental Group Clamps Down on Cruise-Affiliated Tours to Silk Caye
The Southern Environmental Association (SEA) has clarified that recent cruise-affiliated tours to Silk Caye should not have been authorised.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:07 PM
She described the win as a blessing that will help her improve her home and enjoy the holidays.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/woman-wins-3...
Woman Wins $30,000 Just in Time for Christmas
A woman is ringing in the festive season with a $30,000 Scratch and Win prize. After years of trying her luck, she finally hit a win over the weekend and claimed her winnings today.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 16, 2025 at 8:11 PM
In a joint statement released Monday, the Belize Human Societies and Animal Volunteer Organisations said they are “mourning abused, neglected, and abandoned animals left to suffer in plain sight.”

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/animal-advoc...
Animal Advocates Demand Action as Abuse Continues Across Belize
Residents and animal volunteers across Belize are speaking out in frustration as cases of animal abuse continue unabated.
www.greaterbelize.com
December 16, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Mexican lawmakers were involved in a physical confrontation on the floor of Congress in Mexico City on Monday, with video showing women legislators shoving and pulling each other’s hair during a live session.

Read more here: www.greaterbelize.com/mexican-lawm...
Mexican Lawmakers Brawl During Congress Debate
Mexican lawmakers were involved in a physical confrontation on the floor of Congress in Mexico City on Monday, with video showing women legislators shoving and pulling each other’s hair
www.greaterbelize.com
December 16, 2025 at 7:45 PM