Classroom concerns lead tonight’s headlines; after weeks of anticipation and negotiation, the Belize National Teachers Union has made its move. They’ve officially joined two of their sister unions in saying yes to the government’s latest salary adjustment proposal. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: while seventy-five percent of B.N.T.U. members voted in favor of the deal, which includes an eight-point-five percent salary bump over the next two years, this wasn’t just about pay. The union also took a second vote, and nearly eighty-seven percent of teachers said they’re not done fighting. They’re still ready to take industrial action, not for salaries this time, but for bigger, systemic changes like income tax reform and anti-corruption measures. So, what does this mean for the months ahead? And how is the public reacting? Well, it’s a mixed bag—some are applauding the union’s persistence, while others worry about the impact of continued unrest. B.N.T.U. President Nadia Caliz had this to say about the road ahead.
Nadia Caliz
Nadia Caliz, President, Belize National Teachers Union
“The decision of the four point five and the four is up to the members of theunion. If they accept that, you don’t hate them for it or go against them for that if they accept that, because there are other issues on hand that we must address through the CBA that we need to begin like yesterday to deal with. For me, my teachers are talking about class size. Those allowances they’re getting is nothing. We are talking about tax reform, all of those things. They are very important. So we need to get to the table to address those things. So I don’t want the public to think that when my membership decides that this is what they want that they are selling out, nobody the sell out. There are too many issues to address and we have to address them.”
Just before the Belize National Teachers Union cast their votes on the government’s latest salary proposal, there was a key meeting behind closed doors. The B.N.T.U. executive sat down with Education Minister Oscar Requena, and it wasn’t just talk. The two sides reached an agreement to form a national working group aimed at tackling some long-standing issues in the education system. We’re talking about everything from allowances for Heads of Departments, to updating teacher licensing requirements, and even hiring more school counselors. The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to compensating teachers for extra hours and processing long-overdue increments and allowances. And, in a move that’s getting some applause, they’re sticking with their promise to offer tuition scholarships for in-service teachers in high-priority areas. It’s a sign that dialogue is back on the table and both sides say they’re ready to work together to improve education in Belize. A Joint Stakeholders Meeting is already being proposed for the end of July.
There’s a pause in the pressure at Belize’s flagship hospital. The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Workers Union has officially called off its industrial action, at least for now. This comes after hospital management escalated the situation last week by declaring a trade dispute and calling in the Ministry of Labor. As we’ve been reporting, K.H.M.H. C.E.O. Chandra Cansino reached out to Minister Florencio Marin Junior, invoking the Settlement of Disputes in Essential Services Act. But union president Andrew Baird says that move was premature and claims proper procedures weren’t followed. Still, the union says it’s committed to following the formal steps now that a trade dispute has been declared.
On the Phone: Andrew Baird, President, KHMH Workers Union
“We are just waiting to hear from the Minister of Labor, Honorable Marin, to set up a date for us to meet along with authority and government officials to continue to dialogue along that medium. In regards to the dispute lodged by the CEO of Karl Heusner, we have ceased our industrial action given that the law provides that during this period we cannot do any industrial action. So we give the opportunity for dialogue and hopefully through that we can come up with a resolution rather than have to have a tribunal set up by the labor department.”
Paul Lopez
“Do you think this was warranted?”
On the Phone: Andrew Baird
“I think due process was not followed and we were not given an opportunity to counter propose based on four percent ex gratia payment submitted to us. In fair due process one would allow the other party to be able to come to the table and make a counter proposal. That was not afforded to us.”
We’re continuing to follow developments in the K.H.M.H. labor dispute, and now, the Ministry of Labor is officially in the loop. On Friday, we spoke with Minister Florencio Marin, who confirmed that he’s received the letter from hospital management requesting intervention. So, what happens next? According to the minister, the first step is to keep the conversation going between both sides. If that doesn’t work, they’ll move into mediation. And if all else fails, the matter could end up before a labor tribunal.
Florencio Marin
Florencio Marin, Minister of Labor
“We have the same options. Again, I will need to sit with the ministry team. Perhaps we can tell them to continue the dialogue, that is the first option. They can continue dialogue and hopefully they can come to a resolution. If not, myself as the minster, with the backup of the ministry, we conduct the mediation. If that does not work, from their we go to a tribunal.”
Paul Lopez
“How closely are you observing the actions that the staff at the KHMH has been taking, most recently a sickout.”
Florencio Marin
“We are monitoring it and all that. But, I do not want to comment, because we may be in the mediation. So I don’t want to prejudice that. But, we are monitoring both sides.”
Reporter
“But how do you look at the notice or advise from the Labor Department that there were processes to be followed and now you the accusations from the management of the KHMH saying they violated the law because the did engage in industrial action.”
Florencio Marin
“Again, that is something when we formally get involved, when we look at it, then I will be able to comment. I don’t want to be prejudice to give an opinion. We will give an a response soon.”
It’s a clear sign that the situation is being taken seriously and that the road to resolution may still have a few more turns.
There’s a ripple of excitement in the conservation world, and Belize is right at the center of it. We are making serious strides toward protecting our planet’s oceans. Back in 2019, the country joined a bold global mission to safeguard thirty percent of the world’s marine spaces by 2030. Well, fast forward to today, and Belize is not just on track, we’re ahead of schedule. But while the numbers look promising, there’s a bigger question bubbling beneath the surface: how protected are these waters, really? That’s where the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future comes in. Since 2022, this private conservation trust has been quietly empowering local stakeholders by funding everything from scientific research to sustainable fishing practices, to ensure these marine areas are more than just lines on a map. News Five’s Britney Gordon took a deep dive into the story, visiting some of the protected zones supported by the Belize Fund to find out what it really takes to keep Belize’s blue spaces thriving. Here’s what she discovered.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Imagine diving into Belize’s crystal-clear waters, expecting a vibrant underwater world, only to find silence, emptiness, and lifeless coral. It’s a haunting image, and one that raises a serious question: are Belize’s protected marine areas truly being protected? While the country has made impressive strides toward the United Nations’ goal of safeguarding thirty percent of ocean space, hitting the target is just one part of the journey. The real challenge? Making sure those areas are sustainably managed and thriving for generations to come. That’s where the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future comes in. Since its launch, BFSF has been channeling resources from the Blue Bond to support conservation efforts across the country. Executive Director Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts explains how this initiative is helping turn policy into real, lasting protection beneath the waves.
Leandra Cho-Ricketts
Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director, Belize Fund
“That’s a big focus of the fund. Trying to make sure we find the right partners to connect with to support initiatives and projects that can create meaningful and impactful changes and lasting changes on the ground. So all our grantees, they’re selecting true calls, and those calls look at particular areas of priorities and in, and today the areas we’re looking at are directly relating to protection for biodiversity and focus on marine protected area management.”
Climate change has taken a serious toll on our oceans, and Belize’s coral reefs are no exception; many have been slowly dying, struggling to survive rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns. But there’s hope beneath the surface. Thanks to support from the Belize Fund, a local non-profit called Fragments of Hope is leading the charge to restore what’s been lost. From replanting corals to studying the effects of bleaching in places like Gladden Spit and Silk Caye, they’re working hard to bring our reefs back to life, one fragment at a time.
Natasha Gibson
Natasha Gibson, Fragments of Hope
“Laughing Bird Caye, it was one of the best sites ever when I started to work because it had been hit tremendously by a storm and we had lost about ninety something percent of coral coverage around here. And that at that point when I started the coverage was billing up back, meaning we were out doing a lot of work here, a lot of out planting, everything was thriving and looking great. Again, once again, the climate change and everything has been changing. We have had devastating losses, especially last year. We have lost tremendous amount of corals around Laughing Bird Caye.”
In a country like Belize, where tourism is a major economic driver, a rich and diverse marine ecosystem isn’t just beautiful, it’s essential. But with climate change shifting the balance underwater, what’s happening to the species that draw visitors from around the world? That’s exactly what MarAlliance is working to uncover. With support from the Belize Fund, they’re tracking how marine life is responding to these changes, helping tour operators better understand and predict where key species might be found. Program Coordinator Kirah Foreman shares how this research is shaping the future of marine tourism.
Kirah Foreman-Castillo
Kirah Foreman-Castillo, Program Coordinator, MarAlliance
“We’re looking at what we call megafauna. So everyone knows is those big iconic species like your sharks, your turtles, your rays. One of the things that Southern Belize is known for is whale sharks. And within the past, within recent years, we are just not seeing those numbers. A matter of fact, we’re not seeing any at all. I think this year there were somebody who saw one whale shark, which is almost nothing. So our Belize Fund project is to that project. We’re trying to figure out what’s going on with our whale shark. Where have they gone? Will they come back? And what’s going on with the other species of sharks? Raise turtles, the rest of the megafauna within the area.”
A new high-tech surveillance camera has been installed at Laughing Bird Caye National Park, named after the Laughing Gulls that live there. The camera can rotate 360 degrees and see up to nine miles, day or night. It’s become a key tool for the Forest Department and the Southern Environmental Association, helping them monitor this fully protected no-take zone more effectively.
Elizabeth Mushchamp
Elizabeth Mushchamp, Executive Director, Southern Environmental Association
“Even before the cameras went up at our first fisher forum, we had made them aware that we would be putting up the cameras. And then once they were put up, we made them aware again. So every opportunity we have, we let them know about the cameras, that the cameras are there. What we have shared with them for Fishers is that I think it also gives them a sense of security that if something goes wrong, that they feel that someone is watching it. So yes, it could be a contributing factor as to why we haven’t had any incursions in the areas from our local people.”
The Belize Fund splits its financing into two main streams: one for government projects and another for non-government organizations. Program Manager Josue Oliva says the goal is to make funding simple and accessible. They’ve also launched community grants to help grassroots and emerging groups get the support they need to make a difference.
Josue Oliva
Josue Oliva, Program Manager, Belize Fund
“It is a competitive process. As much as we would want to fund everyone, you know that, as Dr. Ricketts mentioned, there is just sinking funds, so it has to be competitive. And how do we do it competitively? We ensure that the projects that we get are aligned to one, at least one of our four thematic areas, right? Protection for biodiversity, sustainable fisheries, climate resilience, or blue business innovation.”
Although the work of the Belize Fund is vital, it will not be around forever. That is why the trust is doing its best to prove how well-managed financing can protect biodiversity, support livelihoods, and strengthen national resilience in the face of climate change.
Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts
“The Blue bonds money is not infinite. It is a fixed amount. So we have sinking funds, which means the money comes in, we spend it months, it’s done, it’s gone. We have a total of 80 million US coming in until 2041. We’re three years into that period. So it was a twenty year period. We’ve gone for three years now doing operations and we’ve invested roughly twenty-five to twenty-six million Belize already of that eighty million US.”
Being a conservationist isn’t easy, it takes grit, passion, and a whole lot of patience. But when organizations are given the right tools and support, something powerful happens, they push through the challenges and keep fighting for what they believe in.
Elizabeth Mushchamp
“I have a very committed team, a very dynamic and committed team. And for the last couple years I have found my team to be very committed. Whatever challenges, I like to say we don’t have challenges, we just have situations that we deal with. Because when you put the word challenge, it seems like something so difficult to overcome. I think each area, whether it’s financing, sustainable financing, enforcement, for each one of them comes with their own level of challenges.”
As Belize steps up its efforts to protect our precious marine resources, there’s one organization making sure every dollar counts—the Belize Fund. While stakeholders are out in the field doing hard work, the fund is behind the scenes, ensuring that every investment goes toward projects that will leave a real, lasting impact. Britney Gordon for News Five.
Belize is taking center stage this week in a powerful regional push to celebrate and protect one of the world’s most iconic civilizations, the Maya. Alongside Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and southern Mexico, Belize is part of the Mundo Maya tourism initiative, a bold collaboration that’s about more than just travel, it’s about preserving culture, empowering communities, and promoting sustainable tourism across borders. The initiative is spotlighting everything from ancient temples to vibrant traditions, rich gastronomy, and the deep spiritual ties to nature and time that define the Maya world. And right now, Belize is leading the charge by hosting key talks to shape the future of this ambitious project. As CEO of the Ministry of Tourism Nicole Usher-Solano puts it, this is about creating a unified experience for visitors, while tackling shared challenges and building a stronger, more connected region.
Nicole Usher-Solano
Nicole Usher-Solano, C.E.O., Ministry of Tourism
“When you think the Maya world, you think about the vast, beautiful temples that can be found in all of our countries. But beyond that, each of our countries have so much to offer for tourism and for visitors. So to be able to share that, for those persons who are looking for the Maya experience, this is what it’s all about, to create a tourism offering for all of our guests as one region. So we look forward to that. We, of course, look at the vibrant traditions, we talked about gastronomy, the deep spiritual connections of nature and time. These are all what our guests are looking for and today will give us the opportunity to really highlight that, focus on that and see how we can do better in order to ensure that our visitors coming from all around the world can experience our countries as one region. So, over the next few days, we will be talking about several topics. The current global context is important when you look at what is happening in the world and the challenges that we face, all of our destinations are facing similar challenges. How do we work together in order to address those economic and geopolitical uncertainties, the vulnerabilities that we experience to external shocks. These are all realities, they are global realities, but all regions are coming together to try to attract and present themselves, so we must also do the same.”
Belize is making history in the world of tourism and it’s not just on the national stage, but across the entire region. Right now, the country holds not one, not two, but three major tourism leadership roles, giving Belize a powerful voice in shaping the future of travel in Central America and beyond. At the heart of it all is the Mundo Maya initiative, a regional effort to promote the rich cultural heritage of the ancient Maya civilization. And as Efrain Perez, President of the Belize Tourism Industry Association, explains, Belize’s leadership extends even further, holding presidencies in both the private and public tourism sectors across Central America and the Dominican Republic.
Efrain Perez, President, BTIA
“Our participation here as private sector, or as BTIA, certainly allows us to be part of the conversation on a regional level, for us to be able to share experiences based on our private sector interest. And so, I think that is a really good step for us; more so, because the BTIA also holds the pro tempore presidency of the Chamber of Tourisms for Central America and the Dominican Republic. So we come in representation not only nationally, but also regionally, for us to be able to have that conversation and really see how best we would be able to further develop the Mundo Maya brand and also see how we could incorporate the Central American brand within the same, both organizations at the same time. This is a very historic moment for tourism in Belize and I say that simply because of the two presidencies that we have. In fact, we have three presidencies in Belize right now. We have the pro tempore presidency for FEDECATUR which is the private sector arm of the tourism industry and that looks at both Central America and the Dominican Republic. We also have the presidency of KATA which is held by the Ministry of Tourism and that looks more on the legislative side and promotion side of tourism within the Central American region. And Belize also has currently the presidency for Mundo Maya, and so, all of these combined allows us to have a stronger voice as a country and for our private sector, this means that they would be able to take advantage much more opportunities that will arise from both organizations, the Mundo Maya and also the Central American brand.”
It’s a proud moment for Belize, and one that opens the door to even greater opportunities for the country’s tourism industry.
Belize has a new queen and she’s ready to shine on the world stage. This past Saturday, the country watched with pride as Isabella Zabaneh was crowned Miss Universe Belize 2025, earning the honor of representing us at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand later this year. She takes the crown from Halima Hoy, Miss Universe Belize 2024, and steps into the spotlight after a dazzling competition that featured five incredible young women. But it was Isabella’s poise, passion, and presence that won the judges over, and now, she carries the hopes of a nation. And just this morning, she joined us on Open Your Eyes to share her journey, her dreams, and what this moment means to her.
Isabella Zabaneh, Miss Universe Belize 2025
“So I said this yesterday I knew the work that I had put I was worthy of a top 3 placement or at least that’s what I think I gave my all and I left my heart o the stage I would have been satisfied knowing that I put my best foot forward whatever the outcome was but to be able to be holding hands with Monesha who I’ve had conversations with prior to this whole process even beginnings before applications so to be able to be with her in top 3 was really special but the surreal feeling of it I was just shocked I couldn’t process it as much as I wanted the crown and was hungry for the crown there’s always a part of you that thinks my goodness I might not walk away with the crown which I would have been ok with which is very big for me to admit because one thing you never want to say I’ll be ok if I don’t win but to be able to do that with her and be there with her she gave me the biggest hug and it was so sweet and I am honored that it was her and I holding hands truly.”
With grace, intelligence and purpose Isabella Zabaneh steps into her new role all eyes turn to what’s a head on the international stage
We’re diving into the heart of Belizean entertainment with a behind the scenes look at one of the country’s most electrifying talent competitions-KTV The Remix! Viannie Reyes, the producer behind the show, along with assistant producer Monilee Aspinall, shared the magic, the hustle and everything that it takes to bring the stage to life each week.
Viannie Reyes
Viannie Reyes, Producer, KTV The Remix
“I think that for the past couple of years that I’ve been seeing KTV and also now being behind the scenes of KTV we’ve all wanted to see a difference when it comes to judges having their say but also our voters would have their way, something that I think elevates the show for this year would definitely be a safe card that we’re having, we have one guest judge that will be coming in every week for KTV The Remix season seven and that guest judge will have a say of pointing out their green card saying that this person is either safe or will be offered an additional ‘X’ amount of points to move forward in the show, that is something that we do believe our singers definitely need because there are times when really good singers actually go home because of voting, it has become a popularity thing and we are trying to eliminate popularity and we want people to see what talent really is.”
Monilee Aspinall
Monilee Aspinall, Assistant Producer, KTV The remix
“We’ve had some return auditioners that had part in KTV before or maybe they have been auditioning for a while and hasn’t quite gotten in yet I think that a lot of our viewers are going to be excited about who we are having “If you no like it bite it” is back she brought all her energy, her excitement and she is always such a pleasure to listen to and be in her space but the talent this year was definitely a tough one and so I’m looking forward to see how they are going to make themselves shine in the spotlight amongst all the other talent that’s coming in as well.”
KTV The remix continues to light up Tuesday nights with unforgettable performances and raw talent. Big thanks to Viannie Reyes and Monilee for giving us an inside look at what makes the show such a hit. Catch all the action everyTuesday night at 8PM live from the Bliss Center for The Performing Arts and trust me you won’t want to miss a single note
$3 Scratch Ticket Turns into $25K Jackpot for Lucky Belizean
Who says three dollars can’t change your life? Well, for one lucky Belizean, that small investment just turned into a twenty-five-thousand-dollar summer surprise. It all started with a scratch ticket purchased right here in Belize City. And just like that, a simple moment of chance became a life-changing win. The lucky player is now walking into summer with a whole lot more sunshine, and a whole lot more cash.
Tanya Arceo
“How many scratch and win tickets did you buy before winning this one?”
Voice of: Scratch & Win Winner, Belize City
“Very well, at least about a hundred.”
Tanya Arceo
“About a hundred, and on the day that you purchased this ticket how many tickets did you buy.”
Voice of: Scratch & Winner
“Seven.”
Tanya Arceo
“Seven tickets, and where did you buy here in Belize City, where?”
Voice of: Scratch & Winner
“In Belize City.”
Tanya Arceo
“How often do you usually play scratch and win game.”
Voice of: Scratch & Winner
“Nearly every day.”
Tanya Arceo
“What do you plan doing with your twenty-five thousand dollars.”
Voice of: Scratch & Winner
“Well I plan to saving some of it.”
Tanya Arceo
“Do you have any plans for the prized money?
Voice of: Scratch & Winner
“Not really I got no plans yet
Tanya Arceo
“Do you plan to continue to buy more scratch tickets, maybe the next time its going to be more money?”
Voice of: Scratch & Winner
“Yes, yes I will.”
It’s a reminder that sometimes, fortune really does favor the bold… or at least the lucky.
