2025 - Greater Belize Media

Open Your Eyes: Belize’s Morning Show That Became a National Movement

If you’ve ever flipped on your TV early in the morning, chances are you’ve caught a glimpse of the show that’s become a daily ritual for thousands of Belizeans — Open Your Eyes. Airing every weekday on Greater Belize Media, this isn’t just a morning show, it’s a movement. From breaking news to heartwarming community stories, OYE has been waking up the nation with purpose, passion, and plenty of personality. And as it approaches its seventeenth anniversary this November, we take a closer look at how this beloved program continues to inform, inspire, and connect Belizeans at home and abroad.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

If you’re just tuning in, you’re likely already familiar with the show that’s become a staple in households across the nation — Open Your Eyes. Airing every weekday from 6:30 to 8:30 AM on Greater Belize Media, Open Your Eyes isn’t just a morning show — it’s a national institution.

Viannie Reyes, Producer

“It’s a nation that has been looking forward to all of our different, informative segments that we have implemented in our different schedules every day and the creativity that we’ve had and the staff that we’ve had here in the studio to make sure everything is successful. We do not only stream for Belize but Belize and beyond and definitely for the fact that we’ve also been noticed across the Caribbean for bringing back awards from CBU here to Channel 5, Greater Belize Media now. It’s definitely shown that we have what it takes to be international.”

With its dynamic mix of news, interviews, and cultural highlights, OYE reaches a wide and diverse audience from north to south, east to west. But what truly sets it apart? Its power to shape public opinion and keep citizens informed. The show blends news, lifestyle, entertainment, and live interviews, keeping the content fresh and engaging. This variety appeals to a broad demographic.

Paul Lopez, Host

“It not only benefits those who watch and those who are in tune with these conversations, but it sets me up to have greater knowledge on these conversations so that I could, outside of this setting, do my job, outside of this setting, better. As well, I can have more engaging conversations.”

Whether it’s breaking down the latest headlines, spotlighting community heroes, or diving into the issues that matter most — Open Your Eyes is where Belize wakes up informed, inspired, and ready to take on the day. With its slogan “Staat Yuh Mawnin Right,” the show has established a strong identity that resonates with viewers and sets a positive tone for the day.

Monilee Aspinall, Assistant Producer

“I never thought I’d be waking up at four a.m. everyday, but being able to bring something new to the table every single morning is what I consider my cup of coffee. And it’s allowed me to get a small taste of what media, journalists, people who are on the go early in the morning as well, so that I could relate to them better and cater to what they’d like to see on their morning commutes.”

Every weekday morning, this top-rated show on Channel 5 Belize shines a spotlight on the stories that matter most, from classrooms to clinics, from youth centers to startup hubs. By highlighting initiatives in education, health, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship, Open Your Eyes is more than just a morning show, it’s a catalyst for national development.

Paul Lopez

“I think, as hosts on Open Your Eyes, one of our primary responsibility is accountability, more so holding those in authority accountable through the questions we ask. A lot of times, the questions we ask most times are questions that the public has, and so we glean from those questions based on the conversations and the suggestions, and we bring those questions to, for example, the prime minister. If we are to ask him about the budget, if we are to ask him about a current national issue. We glean from the concerns of the public and we present questions, for example, to the Minister of Sports on issues related to sports.”

Whether it’s showcasing a young innovator’s big idea, diving into health awareness campaigns, or giving voice to educators and community leaders, OYE is helping Belize move forward, one conversation at a time.

Viannie Reyes

“This year, 2025, November 2025 makes seventeen years of Open Your Eyes’ anniversary and I have to say that I am more than honored to be here to experience all the changes, all the success, and all the different fun memories that we’ve had over the past couple of years that I’ve been here.”

With interactive features like WhatsApp, email, and social media, viewers aren’t just watching the show — they’re part of it. Whether it’s sending in a question for a guest, sharing a community event, or just saying good morning, the audience has a direct line to the studio. And it’s the little touches that make a big difference, like birthday shoutouts and community highlights. These moments create a sense of connection, turning a national broadcast into a personal experience. It’s this inclusivity that makes Open Your Eyes more than just a show — it’s a community. Isani Cayetano for News Five.

Transport Department Crackdown Amidsts Budget Increase

The Department of Transport is stepping up its game when it comes to motorcycle safety. In a new push to clean up the roads, the department has relaunched a nationwide enforcement campaign targeting some of the most common and dangerous violations. So, what’s on their radar? Think loud bikes disturbing quiet neighborhoods, riders ditching their helmets, and people squeezing more passengers onto a motorcycle than the law allows. Officials say these aren’t just annoyances, they’re serious safety risks. As part of the campaign, you can expect surprise spot checks, with help from the Police Department and Municipal Traffic Authorities. And if you’re caught breaking the rules? Your bike could be impounded, and you could face penalties. Transport Minister Louis Zabaneh also weighed in during today’s budget debate, noting that his ministry’s budget just got a twenty-five percent boost, fueling efforts like this one to make Belize’s roads safer for everyone.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“To properly move forward with improved enforcement of traffic laws and regulations to meet international standards, to restructure and strengthen the National Transport Monitoring and Reevaluation Systems, to increase public awareness of transport policies, laws and safety messages and to generally pursue a transportation system we can be proud of, this budget has increased the allocation from last year eight million three hundred and ninety-four thousand five hundred and ten dollars, to ten million, five hundred and thirty six thousand, one hundred and twenty one dollars, a twenty-five percent increase. We will work diligently with what we have and be innovative in creating practical solutions with the aim always to improve safety on our highways and increase the reliability and service of our bus transport sector.”

Minister of Youth and Sports Lays Out Vision

He may be new to the Ministry of Sports, but Minister Anthony Mahler isn’t wasting any time getting down to business. From day one, he promised big changes and today, during the 2025 budget debate, he doubled down on that promise. Minister Mahler laid out a bold vision: upgraded sports facilities, better training and pay for athletes, and a fresh leadership approach for youth and sports programs. It’s clear he’s aiming to turn potential into performance, and he’s bringing energy and ambition to the job. Here’s more from Minister Mahler on what’s ahead for sports in Belize.

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Youth and Sports

“This will take time and effort, but we will see marked improvements in years to come. In 2025 our investments will focus on improving athlete development programs, elite training and scholarship pathways, and improve school programs and district leagues to expand participation at the grassroots level. My program, Mundialito in Belize City is a testament to that. Upgrading and maintaining sporting facilities in all districts, developing a new sports policy and strategy, revamping the sports act, establishing a national advisory council that includes all federations and identifying creative ways to finance youth and sports initiatives in a sustainable way. I know first hand the importance of getting sports right to be able to provide an education for young people for better healthcare, because if we have a healthier nation we have a more productive nation, for national pride. When you see this flag you should beam with pride and we have to have a portion of our athletes be able earn a decent living from sports. We have established a new board of directors for the National Sports Council will competent people who are passionate about driving the sporting renaissance forward.”

Paralytic Rabies in Horses and Cattle on the Rise

There’s growing concern in the agricultural sector tonight as cases of paralytic rabies are on the rise in Belize. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority, along with the Ministry of Agriculture, is sounding the alarm, urging farmers and the public to stay alert and take action. Paralytic rabies is a serious disease that affects both domestic and wild animals, and it can be passed on to humans. The warning comes after a spike in infections among horses and cattle, raising red flags across rural communities. So, what should you look out for? Infected animals may show unusual behavior, nervousness, aggression, excessive drooling, trouble eating or swallowing, and eventually, death. Authorities are urging everyone to handle sick animals with extreme caution, as the virus spreads through saliva. To protect your animals, and yourself, BAHA is advising that all pets and livestock be vaccinated by a licensed vet. They’re also reminding the public to keep animals confined to their property and avoid leaving food or garbage out, which could attract wild animals. If you suspect a case of rabies, don’t wait, report it immediately to BAHA’s Animal Health Department. Early action could save lives.

Nearly 60 Belizean Entrepreneurs Complete Capacity Building Training

There’s a wave of empowerment rising in Southern Belize. In the villages of Gales Point and Mullins River, residents are turning opportunity into action. This week, sixty Belizeans proudly completed a skills training program designed to boost livelihoods and open new doors, part of a major initiative tied to the Coastal Plain Highway Project. With support from BELTRAIDE and several international and local partners, these communities are proving that when opportunity knocks, they’re ready to answer. News Five’s Britney Gordon brings us the story from Gales Point.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

The Livelihood Strategic Action Plan aims to build economic resilience and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in Gales Point Village and Mullins River Village. This week, fifty-nine villagers proudly completed an entrepreneurial development training program, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to launch and grow their own businesses. But that’s not all, BELTRAIDE, the agency leading the charge, has been working together with the community to formalize and register a total of eighty micro and small enterprises.

Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director, BELTRAIDE

“BELTRAIDE for its part has been tremendously honored to be the lead agency in the entrepreneurial development component of this project, which focuses on the formalization of businesses, capacity building and increasing market access, and what these things speak to is helping you to register your businesses, register your business names because they are yours and they’re sacred and special, and we’re giving you that security capacity, building through the training, through the knowledge, through the refreshers that you’ve heard during the lessons, and of course increasing market access, helping you to be able to get to your clients, to your customers, and to retain them.”

When communities are given the right tools, they don’t just survive, they thrive. That’s the vision behind the Belize Social Investment Fund’s latest efforts. By backing initiatives that build stronger local economies and support self-reliance, SIF is helping to lay the foundation for long-term success in villages across the country.

Carlos Tun, Executive Director, Belize Social Investment Fund

“We are best known for our contribution to infrastructure projects in the areas of water education and health. But an equally important pillar of our mission is the social component. it is this component. That brings us here today as we witness the tangible results of a program focused not just on infrastructure, but on people. This training initiative is a critical part of empowering individuals and communities by enhancing knowledge, by nurturing innovation, and by fostering entrepreneurship.”

Transforming communities, one project at a time—that’s the goal behind the UK-funded Coastal Road Upgrading Project. Backed by a generous thirty-two-million-dollar grant from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, this initiative is already making a difference in places like Gales Point. And for residents like Leroy Andrewin, the impact is personal.

Leroy Andrewin, Gales Point Mantee Resident

“Now you all give us the tools to work with and everything, and we have the seed to plant. And so when we plant the seed, we hope for the seed to go and make Gales Point into a better Gales Point business to spread, to help spread the news about this business, and thank the teachers, especially teachers, and you all to do this for us. Gales Point is a beautiful village and we always feel like we’re left behind. But now this happened to Gales Point. We know we didn’t left behind. We are part of the system.”

The program supported forty-three female-owned and thirty-seven male-owned businesses in sectors such as food, agriculture, tourism, and electrical sectors. Britney Gordon for News Five.

The organization’s plan to further support the villages growing entrepreneurial community by hosting a Buy Belizean Expo in Dangriga Town on June fourteenth, 2025.

Court of Appeal Upholds Ruling Against BTB

The Court of Appeal has delivered a decisive blow to the Belize Tourism Board (BTB). The court dismissed BTB’s appeal and upholding a ruling that found the statutory body wrongfully terminated Misty Michael, its former Director of Marketing and Industry Relations.

In a unanimous decision, the appellate panel affirmed that Michael’s dismissal in May 2021 was without cause and in breach of her fixed-term employment contract. BTB was ordered to pay Michael BZ$217,822.18 in damages, along with interest and legal costs.

Michael, who was appointed under a three-year contract beginning April 2020, was abruptly terminated just over a year later. The BTB cited Clause 7.1.3 of her contract, which allows for termination due to a “material change in circumstances” such as a financial crisis caused by external events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the court found that the BTB failed to prove it was financially incapable of paying Michael. Evidence presented showed the organization had between BZ$10 to $12 million in cash reserves at the time and had even budgeted for her position in the 2021–2022 fiscal year.

The BTB’s appeal was based on nine grounds, including claims that Michael’s contract was invalid due to lack of formal ministerial and board approval, and that the compensation clause for early termination was an unenforceable penalty.

The Court of Appeal rejected these arguments, finding that the Minister’s verbal approval of the contract, while not recorded in writing, was legally sufficient under the Belize Tourism Board Act, the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the BTB had ostensible authority to execute the contract, and their actions bound the organization and that Clause 7.1.1, which entitled Michael to full compensation for the remainder of her contract if terminated without cause, was a valid and enforceable liquidated damages clause, not a penalty.

“The appeal is dismissed with costs to the respondent,” wrote Court President Madam Justice Minnet Hafiz Bertram in the judgment. Justices Peter I. Foster and Arif Bulkan concurred.

EE.UU. Suspende Visas de Estudiante por Revisión de Redes Sociales

El Departamento de Estado de EE.UU. ha ordenado a sus embajadas y consulados en todo el mundo pausar la programación de nuevas citas para visas de estudiante, mientras desarrolla una nueva guía para ampliar la verificación de redes sociales a todos los solicitantes de visas tipo F, M y J.

Esta medida, instruida mediante un cable diplomático firmado por el secretario de Estado interino Marco Rubio y revelada por CNN, forma parte de los esfuerzos del Gobierno de Trump por restringir el ingreso de estudiantes internacionales.

La revisión podría tener importantes implicaciones operativas y ralentizar el proceso de emisión de visas. El cable también instruye a eliminar las citas no tomadas y a no abrir nuevos espacios hasta que se emita una guía oficial. Las citas ya agendadas sí se podrán llevar a cabo.

Amazon Tribe Sues New York Times Over Pornography Claims

An Amazonian tribe, the Marubo, is suing the New York Times for defamation, claiming a report about their access to high-speed internet falsely portrayed them as porn addicts.

The lawsuit, seeking at least $180 million, argues that the article depicted the tribe as unable to handle the internet and highlighted unverified claims that their youth were consumed by pornography, according to the BBC.

TMZ and Yahoo are also named in the suit for allegedly sensationalising the story and mocking the tribe’s youth. The NYT denies saying anyone was addicted to porn, and later published a follow-up article titled, “No, A Remote Amazon Tribe Did Not Get Addicted to Porn.”

Marubo leader Enoque Marubo and Brazilian activist Flora Dutra, who helped bring internet to the community, said the coverage caused global humiliation and put their reputations and safety at risk.

Minister Requena Commits to Good-Faith Dialogue on Salary Proposal

As salary negotiations between the Government of Belize and the Belize National Teachers Union remain unresolved, Minister of Education Oscar Requena has expressed strong support for the teaching profession.

Requena acknowledged the significance of teachers’ contributions while reiterating government’s current offer—an initial 3% salary adjustment scheduled for October 2025, as previously approved by Cabinet.

Requena stated: “On the matter of teachers, I want to say and reiterate that this Ministry of Education and our government fully supports, respects, appreciates and values the great work of our teachers across this country. We know that our teachers are important partners in development and education. It is only through education that we can truly develop this nation. That is why we value our teachers.”

He added, “I want to say I support the presentation made by our Deputy Prime Ministers in terms of the proposals made to our teachers and public servants.”

Requena said “Rest assured that we understand the very important duty of our teachers and public servants, and we will continue to endeavor to work with our teachers and public servants in good faith, so that together we can arrive at some meaningful consensus on how we can move forward—understanding that as a government we have a responsibility to the good for the wider nation. But we also have responsibility to them and the great work they do.”