People & Places - Greater Belize Media

NTUCB Backs Unions, Demands Government Accountability

The National Trade Union Congress of Belize is standing firmly behind its affiliate unions, including the B.N.T.U., P.S.U., APSSM, KHMHA Workers Union, and U.B. Faculty and Staff Union, as they push back against what they call unfair treatment by the government. In a strong statement, the NTUCB says workers have every right to protest, strike, and demand better, especially when their calls for salary adjustments and the unfreezing of increments are ignored—while top officials receive hefty contracts and pay raises. The NTUCB is calling on the Briceño administration to pay KHMHA workers their overdue pensions, reinstate salary increments and provide an eight-and-a-half percent raise, and restore the University of Belize’s ten-million-dollar subvention. The union umbrella group says it’s ready to take action, warning that continued neglect will only strengthen the collective voice of Belize’s workers.

PM Briceño Attends Regional Economic Summit in Honduras

Belize is once again taking its place at the regional table, as Prime Minister John Briceño touches down in Honduras for a high-level economic summit. Today, Prime Minister Briceño arrived in Tegucigalpa to participate in the annual Meeting of Governors of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration. This key event brings together leaders from across Central America to discuss strategies for economic growth, development financing, and regional cooperation. Belize has been a member of CABEI since 2006, using the partnership to fund projects that reduce poverty, boost infrastructure, and strengthen ties with neighboring countries. The Prime Minister was warmly received by Honduras’ Third Vice President, Renato Florentino Pineda. He will be joined at tomorrow’s meeting by Cherie Nisbet, Belize’s Ambassador to Honduras. As Belize continues to navigate regional and global economic challenges, its presence at CABEI underscores a commitment to collaboration and sustainable development.

Sadie Vernon is growing more than just minds—it’s growing food, too.

When you think of farming, you probably picture wide open fields in the countryside—but one Belize City high school is flipping that idea on its head. This morning, Sadie Vernon High School officially launched its very own aquaponics system, built right on campus by a group of second form students. And they didn’t just get their hands dirty building it, they also learned how to write formal letters to local businesses, asking for support and materials to bring their project to life. It’s a hands-on lesson in sustainability, teamwork, and real-world skills, all rolled into one. News Five’s Paul Lopez was there for the big reveal and has the full story.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

This morning, Sadie Vernon officially opened its aquaponics greenhouse, marking an exciting new chapter in its academic journey. The project blends science, sustainability, and hands-on learning, giving students a chance to explore modern farming right on campus. The initiative was made possible thanks to support from the business community and the Ministry of Education, and it’s being led by English teacher Malaak Middleton along with her enthusiastic second form students. Together, they’re proving that with teamwork and vision, even a classroom can become a farm.

Malaak Middleton, Teacher, Sadie Vernon High School

“I wanted to find a way how I could bring a little agriculture into the school setting. So when we came upon formal letter writing we wanted to use that as a vehicle to engage students in writing and also having a physical aspect to a little production that they can see how they can possible open a little small business or how they can bring it to their own communities in the end.”

Before construction began, Middleton’s students had to first engage in writing a formal letter of request to businesses within their community. Through this process they sharpened their writing skills and the response from the business community was favorable.

Malaak Middleton

“At first I had to go over the parts of that letter with them. I had to make sure that they know what the tone of the message is, what to put in that letter and we got them started on that. So we worked together to compose what we needed them to have in that letter.”

Teacher Malaak Middleton’s classroom isn’t just about theory, it’s about action. Her students didn’t just learn how to write formal letters; they used those skills to reach out to local businesses, who responded by donating the materials needed to build an aquaponics system. Instead of relaxing over their two-week Easter break, these dedicated second formers rolled up their sleeves and got to work—building the system right on their school grounds. For students like Joselin Sanchez, the experience was unforgettable. She now knows how to write professional requests and how to grow food using aquaponics.

Joselin Sanchez, Student, Sadie Vernon High School

“You see there is many things about an aquaponics. But, what I learned is that the waste from the fish leads from one tube to the motor and then there is another pipe that leads to the barrel that funnels the water. The water then goes to the stones. The stones release the waste and that is where the plants feeds on. And it is just a cycle that goes on and on and from the plants we can feed off and the fish can feed as well.”

Paul Lopez

“Is it not incredible that the waste that we would normally see as disgusting can help to produce our food?”

Joselin Sanchez

“It is amazing. At first I thought it was nasty, but when I come to learn about it, it is amazing. I could not believe it myself. It was kind of hard, but as I was doing it with my classmates they made it a lot more easier and it was fun as well.”

Principal Deborah Martin says the now fully operational aquaponics farming system on campus adds to the quality of education and student life offered by the high school. She believes it’s boosting both the quality of education and student life at Sadie Vernon High, giving students hands-on experience they can carry far beyond the classroom.

Deborah Martin, Principal, Sadie Vernon High School

“It is definitely helping to improve our brand here at Sadie Vernon High School and of course the quality of education. We are teaching them to focus on sustainable development and working along with their community. Because as our teacher said aquaponics is embedded in the idea of providing things for yourself and then eventually sharing it with your community.”

The school says it hopes to replicate this theory to application approach across all levels on campus. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Laying the Foundation for Better Buildings in Belize

Earlier this month, the Government of Belize approved the Belize Building Amendment Bill, an important move aimed at raising construction standards across the country. The goal? To ensure that buildings in Belize are not only more durable but also more resilient and sustainable. To support this national shift, a powerful collaboration is taking shape. The STEM U Foundation, in partnership with CapStone Civil Group and St. Ignatius High School, recently hosted a roundtable discussion focused on improving the quality of building practices in Belize. The STEM U Foundation is a local non-profit dedicated to empowering Belizean youth through training in STEM fields and skilled trades. Their mission is to prepare the next generation of builders, engineers, and innovators who will shape the country’s future. We spoke with STEM U’s founder, Jarrus Mitchell, who shared insights into the roundtable’s goals. He emphasized the importance of education, collaboration, and innovation in transforming the construction landscape, starting with young minds and community partnerships.

Jarrus Mitchell, Founder, Stem U Foundation

“So the purpose of this meeting is to bring subject matter experts into Belize from the US STEM U Foundation. Our platform is just that. We bring subject matter experts from developed countries to provide solutions and advice in regards to areas of agriculture, engineering, healthcare, and I.T., this engineering initiative will help spark the conversation on how the newly adopted Belize building code will be enforced how it’ll be implemented. And using the International Code Council model that the Belize building code is built from we will use the model from the US to discuss with the government, with the local towns and council and as well as contractors.”

Britney Gordon

“So what does the new building code speak to? What are some of the areas of change we can expect to see?”

Jarrus Mitchell

“Some of these changes, I wouldn’t necessarily call them changes. I would just call them improvements. And it will be around construction materials. It will be around construction design. It will be around the craftsmanship of how buildings are built. And what you should expect is an improvement in the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and design.”

With new legislation in place and grassroots efforts gaining momentum, Belize is building more than just structures, it’s building a future. One where safety, quality, and opportunity go hand in hand.

Minister of Education Was “Hopeful” BTNU Would Accept Proposal

As tensions continue to rise between the government and the teachers’ union, the Minister of Education is weighing in. Oscar Requena says he hasn’t received any official word from the unions just yet—but he’s calling the reports of a looming strike “unfortunate.” Echoing the Prime Minister’s stance, Minister Requena insists the government simply doesn’t have the funds to meet the union’s full demands right now. With the clock ticking on a possible strike, the standoff shows no signs of cooling down.

Oscar Requena, Minister of Education

“I want to say that I have not received any official communication form the unions on their position on the proposal presented by the government and the joint negotiating team. So far what I am hearing is only what I am seeing appearing on social media. I would say it is rather unfortunate, because the joint negotiating team met with the leaders. I believe we had a very cordial and respectful meeting. WE would have hoped that the unions would seriously consider the proposal presented to them, given the fact that at this point government is proposing what it can give.”

Paul Lopez

“Is that the rational behind not giving them what they are asking for in a single instance?”

Oscar Requena

“We cannot, because the government cannot afford it and be believed that a phased in approach would be more reasonable to allow government to continue to grow the economy and be able to be in a better position to support our teachers. We proposed what we can offer and we also proposed what was some of the expectations that we also have. I believe that was made absolutely clear to all parties engaged. I don’t think at any point the union’s team indicate that they were not willing to consider the proposals. I don’t think that was even mentioned.”

Opposition Chides Government Over Proposal to Unions

The government isn’t just facing pressure from the unions—it’s also taking heat from the Opposition. Today, Queen Square Area Representative Godwin Haylock took aim at the Briceño administration, accusing it of breaking promises made to teachers. Haylock pointed to the Plan Belize manifesto, which pledged a 20 percent salary increase for educators. So, he says, it’s baffling that the government is now pushing back against an 8.5 percent adjustment. And in a sharp jab, Haylock also questioned the negotiation chops of the Deputy Prime Minister. News Five has more on the Opposition’s take.

Godwin Haylock, Area Representative, Queen Square

“If the ministry of education is genuine to the teachers, I call on the prime minister and his Cabinet colleagues to value our teachers and grant them the eight point five percent salary increase and unfreezing their salary increments. You know what the irony with the increase is, when the PUP on the other side was campaigning in 2020 under Plan Belize Manifesto they went from house to house promising that when they are elected teachers will receive a twenty percent salary increase between 2021 and 2025. This time the teachers are seeking a salary increase of eight percent with the unfreezing of their increments. I would have expected all smiles from the ministry of finance. This requested increase is not half of twenty percent originally promised by the PUP. Instead, the Minister of Finance reconvened his negotiation team. His chief negotiator is DPM, Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde. Based on the counter proposal from the team they have countered with a measly offer of three percent salary raise in October and additional increment at the start of the next fiscal year. The remaining five percent and the unfreezing of the additional increment not guaranteed under this proposal. Rember you all promised a salary increase of twenty percent under Plan Belize manifesto. Now you want the teachers to accept a measly salary increase of three percent. Of course, the teachers have to reject that proposal. DPM we all know your convincing skills are legendary, but that is a pill far too big for the teachers to swallow. Your team needs to rewind and come back with a meatier proposal.”

Education Minister Plea with Teachers to Return to Class

As the teachers’ sickout continues to disrupt classrooms across the country, the Minister of Education is urging calm—and calling for action. Oscar Requena says he’s deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of students left without supervision. Today, he made a heartfelt plea for teachers to return to the classroom, emphasizing the importance of keeping children safe and engaged in learning. As for what happens next, Requena says the ball is now in the government’s court, with the negotiation team set to decide the way forward.

Oscar Requena, Minister of Education

“Absolutely very much concerning because as you know our parents send their children to school. There are issues of safety, issues of students losing contact time and not being engaged in learning. That is a concern for us and parents. I want to make a special plea to our teachers. I believe in good faith, we are still in negotiations, I believe that respectfully our teachers should reconsider and go back to the classroom. We want to ensure that first and foremost our children are safe and meaningful engage in learning.”

Paul Lopez

“How do you plan to tackle this situation if it escalates to further sickout and with the twenty-days notice of strike action already being issued?”

Oscar Requena

“Well it is a matter for the joint negotiating team and for us to be guided by Cabinet to consider a way forward. What we have to do as the ministry of education, we will continue to be proactive, monitor the situation, and we are also appealing with management to be able to support this process, because management also have a responsibility to ensure our children are safe and are in schools. You may have heard the presentation made by Mr. Usher where he said that if you really calculate, even though it is a phased in approach in terms of the benefits, it really works out to about fourteen percent. It is something the teachers should consider.”

Kareem Musa “UDP Is Corrupt to the Core”

The Belizean Beach controversy continues to ripple through the political landscape and now, Caribbean Shores Area Representative Kareem Musa is adding his voice to the debate. Responding to criticism from Opposition member Godwin Haylock over the government’s starter home initiative, Musa flipped the script, calling on the Opposition to join the push to return Belizean Beach to the people. With tensions rising and more voices entering the fray, the pressure is building for answers and action.

Kareem Musa, Area Representative, Caribbean Shores

“I heard the member just now talk about housing. My brother you have some real nerve to even bring up that topic, because not one of your match box houses were built in Caribbean Shores. I can report that we are going to have in a few days, seventeen concrete homes in Caribbean Shores and Blackberry Estate, not a single matchbox house, not that we wanted any of your matchbox houses. And it is pretty barefaced. We are bringing it up because you all invented the term and you have to take responsibility for it, for something called Housing for the Poor but all that this land scam has proven is that the UDP is corrupt to the core, hustling for Boots, barefaced hustling and I heard the member for Fort George say we are going to take back Belizean Beach and I for one support that call. Because it was not the intention then that Housing for the Poor was to be a big land deal sold for eleven million dollars, is that what your intention was? Or will you come here and join the call that we take back Belizean Beach from Boots Martinez? At the price he paid exactly, we nuh the give him no eleven million dollars.”

The Magic in Greater Belize Media’s Production Team

For decades, Greater Belize Media has been at the heart of it all, bringing you the news, waking you up with morning shows, and producing everything from eye-catching commercials to powerful documentaries. But what you don’t always see is the hardworking team behind the scenes, turning big ideas into reality, one project at a time. Tonight, we’re pulling back the curtain to show you how it all comes together, and why the GBM crew is truly one of a kind. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Since way back in 1991, Great Belize Television has been bringing Belizeans top-notch news and entertainment. But times have changed and so have we. This week, the company officially rebranded as Greater Belize Media. Why? Because we’re more than just TV now. Whether you’re watching on a screen, streaming on your phone, or catching up online, we’re committed to delivering quality content to everyone, no TV required.

Rick Romero, Production Director

“Without our production department, there’s no television. Here at Greater Police Media. So whenever you turn your tv, your tablet, your phone, and Greater Police Media, channel five USB, channel five, you see the news, open your eyes, anything. We are the ones in the background behind the scenes.”

Every production you see is powered by a talented crew: camera operators, editors, graphic designers, and lighting pros, all working together to make every shot look just right. And leading the charge is longtime manager Rick Romero, the steady hand steering the ship behind the scenes.

Rick Romero

“ I oversee the production quality across the board. So whether it be for the news live shows, Open Your Eyes. Any post-production work that we do commercials as well. Documentaries. I oversee the production of everything.”

While Rick ensures that the operation is executed smoothly, he is not alone on the assignment. TV Productions & Graphics Coordinator, Sheena Smith, says that there is a talented team at work as well.

Sheena Smith, TV Productions & Graphics Coordinator

“I try to make sure that the workload is split between us and that we produce, you know, quality work. Because when you’re looking at a show, when you’re looking at the news, our graphics is one of the first things that you see and the quality of the graphics that you get tells for the quality of the work that we put out.”

GBM has come a long way over the years, and one of the biggest upgrades? Swapping out those old analog cameras for crisp, high-definition ones. The result? Sharper, cleaner visuals that take the viewing experience to a whole new level.

Rick Romero

“So that’s what sets us apart from other media houses We pay keen attention to how we shoot stuff in terms of our composition, in terms of our editing. We don’t do sloppy,”

Much like the news department, no day is the same for the production team as every day comes with a different set of demands.

Sheena Smith

“ There’s not a typical day for us. Every day is something different, especially if there’s something breaking going on. We have to drop whatever we’re doing and ensure that we have whatever’s needed on screen. On any other day, we’d be working on whatever’s happening for that day. So if Open Your Eyes needs something like a bumper or a promo, we’re working on that. The news especially, they have a lot going on right now.”

It is that passion and willingness to get creative that keeps the GBM team at the top of their game.

Sheena Smith

“I think it’s the personnel itself. I think we have very passionate people working behind the scenes and that passion shows in the equality of the work that we put out. We try to make sure that we become, or we stay very creative.”

The media never stops changing—and neither does the GBM team. Over the years, they’ve worked hard to stay ahead of the curve, adapting to new trends and tech while making sure their content doesn’t just meet expectations, it blows them out of the water. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Former BAA General Manager Clears Air on Contracts

Thea Garcia-Ramirez, the former General Manager of the Belize Airports Authority, is breaking her silence after two airport security contracts signed during her time at the helm sparked public concern. Critics are questioning whether the companies involved are even capable of handling the job. But Garcia-Ramirez says she had nothing to do with the final decision. She points out that general managers don’t get a vote on the board and adds that she was actually on sick leave when the contracts were signed. In short, she’s saying: don’t pin this one on me.

Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Former General Manager, BAA

“I think there was a board decision to retender. There was some re-tendering. What I think happened was Christmas I remember getting an email. I was on sick leave. It was the twenty-third. I was of the opinion that it was a bit hasty, but I was not there when the contracts were signed. I was not in office.”

Paul Lopez

“Nor when the decision to award it was taken.”

Thea Garcia-Ramirez

“No I was not. Then when I came back to, I typically do not work between Christmas and New Year. So I would have left between the twenty-third in any case. I was sick. So when it came to me I advised that maybe it would be better for legal counsel to look over the contract, which would be basic and standard procedure. I am unaware if that was done, but when I came back those contracts were signed and on my table. I cannot speak to the process again. Just that they were and I think the person best to answer those questions is the former Chair Ricardo Martin.”

Paul Lopez

“Were you not in a position to raise all hell, amplify your voice so that certain actions recommended by you would have been taken ahead of the signing of the agreements?”

Thea Garcia-Ramirez

“At the time they ended up on my desk the contract had been signed so I don’t know what could have done at that point. But I did document my thoughts and preference for the handling of the contracts.”

She says she was not in a position to do much more because she do not have any voting privileges on the board as a general manager.