An internal investigation is ongoing into the death of Selvin Sealy, a San Pedro resident who died while being taken into police custody on May twelfth. A post-mortem revealed that Sealy died from restraint asphyxia, he suffocated while being restrained. Police say Sealy was subdued after resisting arrest for trespassing, but his death has since been ruled a homicide. The officers involved have been suspended, and the Director of Public Prosecutions has called for a deeper review of the case. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith provided an update on the investigation.
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“As it relates to the Sealy investigation, the department is still awaiting a statement from the examiner as to the nature of the injuries and that will direct what charges will be levied and against who.”
Reporter
“Didn’t the post-mortem reveal that it was homicide and that he died by asphyxia by restraint?”
ASP Stacy Smith
“Yes, the post-mortem did review that. However, the DPP office has directed a more detailed report from the pathologist.”
Reporter
“And those officers remain on suspension?”
ASP Stacy Smith
“Yes, they remain on suspension. And the parallel internal investigation continues. It is anticipated that as the directives are given, they will be placed on interdiction, if so warranted and subsequent actions will be taken.” 2:34
As the police undergo the investigation, the family of Sealy continues to call for due justice to be delivered for his death.”
Tonight, the Briceño administration is taking bold steps to tackle the growing threat of gun violence and gang activity in Belize. Prime Minister John Briceño has introduced a series of constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening the country’s legal tools to fight crime. One of the key drivers behind these changes? Conflicting High Court rulings on a 2020 state of emergency that have left the legal landscape uncertain. The Prime Minister explained that while his government plans to challenge the decision, the case won’t be heard until March 2026, when the Court of Appeal is next in session. In the meantime, these proposed amendments are setting the stage for what could be a major shift in how Belize handles national security and public safety.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Crime evokes strong emotions from the citizen of a country. Families and friends of murder victims, victims of rape and robbery, all citizens who cannot live in peace because of the lawlessness among them. They all deserve strong and decisive action from their government. A judge in a recent case before the high court, pointed out that people should not and I quote, fail to be sensitive to the fact that human life is valuable and the state is responsible for creating an enrollment in which people can live in safety in circumstance where law and order prevails. To do otherwise is to surrender to laws of the jungle. I have publicly stated the government well appeal the recent decision handed down by Justice Nabie. Such an appeal could not come from hearing for at least nine months, in the March 2026 Court of Appeal Session. The state of uncertainty cannot persist for such a long period. So, this is why I am here introducing this, Belize Constitution the thirteen amendment bill 2025 because legislative intervention is necessary. It is no secret that successive government has used the emergency powers provided to the state by the constitution of Belize in the interest of public safety or order or for preventing detecting or controlling crime in the country. There has been proclamation declaring a state of emergency in the southside in 2018 to 2020 and in 2021, 2022, 2023. There were additionally two proclamations in 2024 and one in May of this year. The data shows when an SOE is declared crime goes down dramatically, especially murder. Two recent high court ruling has created an uncertainty about the use by the state of this measure as of the public emergency powers to deceive, prevent and control crime.”
Big changes could be coming to Belize’s Constitution, as Prime Minister John Briceño rolled out a series of proposed amendments during the latest House Sitting. Among the seven changes, one key proposal would give the National Security Council the power to recommend states of emergency, but only if there are reasonable grounds to do so. The Prime Minister also introduced a move to legally validate past SOE proclamations, dating back to 2018. And in a bold step to tackle violent crime, Briceño announced plans to establish a Gun and Gang Court, which would carry the same authority as the Magistrate and High Courts.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“A new section ninety-four A, establishment of a Gun and Gang Court as a feature of the separation of powers principles enshrined in our constitution of a democratic state like Belize, the judiciary is to be independent of the other branches of government. The power to create a new court should find its sources within the constitution. Currently, there is no power for the creation and establishment of a specialized court, to hear and determine only gang and gun matters and with the court having special hybrid powers of a Magistrate and High Cort judge. This is not how we solve crime. It is a temporary measure to solve crime we need to look at the root causes, the challenges our families are having, children going to school and having access. The challenge that when our young people come out od school they fell they don’t have a future.”
There was a moment of concern in the House today during the budget debate when Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton suddenly paused her presentation. She appeared lightheaded and had to step away from the podium, prompting a brief medical check. The break lasted about half an hour, but in true resilient fashion, she returned to finish her remarks. Afterward, we caught up with her to talk about the experience. Here’s what she had to say.
Tracy Taegar Panton
Tracy Taegar Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“I had surgery recently on my right leg and I have not tested it in terms of standing for that length of time. I have been healing. I am in therapy. But the pain had become so excruciating that I had to take a break, I had to sit down. Hence the reason I had to take a break.”
Paul Lopez
“There were moments you were overheard saying you were going to faint and you felt light headed.”
Tracy Taegar-Panton
“I was feeling lightheaded. I was unsteady on my feet and that was caused by the pain. I needed to take a break. I didn’t want to have a major incident during my first official appearance where at the house rebutting the budget, so I thought it was best to ask for a break so that I can reset. I am human, I am not a machine. I have an injury that needs time to heal. I cannot stand on my feet for two hours. It is the first time I have tested it since having the procedure on my leg.”
As the national budget debate continues in the House of Representatives, questions are swirling—not just about the numbers, but about the presence, or lack thereof, of the opposition. Of the five elected opposition members, only three showed up for today’s session. Notably absent were Hugo Patt and Miguel Guerra. News Five has learned that Guerra has opted out of the debate entirely, while it remains unclear whether Patt will make an appearance over the next two days. So, what does this say about the state of the opposition? We put that question directly to Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton. Her response, coming up next.
Tracy Taegar Panton
Tracy Taegar Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“That is for the honorable Hugo Patt and the honorable Miguel Guerra to respond to. I think we have a duty and we have a responsibility, we have an obligation to the people who elected us to participate in this process, to add our contributions to the National debate. It is a social contract. We need a robust and functioning democracy to have a robust and functioning government. I believe they should be here. I don’t know why they are not here. I know we had villages council elections yesterday in those constituencies, but I don’t accept that as a suitable excuse for not being here on the first of our budget rebuttal.”
Paul Lopez
“What will you do to compel them to come to the budget debate for the next two days?”
Tracy Taegar Panton
“I cannot compel them to do what they ought to be doing. Even before today’s meeting, we have been meeting as a team, as a UDP parliamentary caucus. We have included all colleagues in the truest sense of defending, and promoting and advocating for democracy we have an obligation and they will need to answer for themselves why they are not here.”
The leadership tug-of-war within the United Democratic Party is far from over—and now, a familiar voice is weighing in. Former Mesopotamia Area Representative Michael Finnegan, a seven-time U.D.P. veteran, says Tracy Taegar-Panton is the only one fit to lead the party right now. But with a recent court ruling casting doubt on her leadership claim, and Moses “Shyne” Barrow refusing to step aside despite his March election loss, the U.D.P. remains without a clear direction. Today, Panton responded to Finnegan’s endorsement. Here’s what she had to say.
Tracy Taegar Panton
Tracy Taegar Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“I am not sure that he said that I was the only one who had leadership material. I believe what he said was at this time Tracy Panton is the only one who could serve at the helm of the leadership of the party. While I am the face, I want to make it clear that the leadership also includes the executive of this party and our parliamentarians. It is not one person, we all work together to try and find solutions for the challenges we face internally.”
Last week, we reported that the Government’s Joint Negotiation Team had officially sent its proposal to the unions, following Cabinet’s green light. Today, that proposal took center stage in the House of Representatives. Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde, who leads the talks on behalf of the government, presented the details during the House Sitting. He highlighted key points from the proposal, using them to support his argument that the Briceño administration has not only turned the economy around—but is continuing to strengthen it. The proposal is now in the hands of the Joint Union Negotiation Team, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal moment in government-union relations.
Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister
“Cabinet affirmed its commitment to an increase of six dollars to the minimum wage in line with Plan Belize. Such an increase to come after the requisite engagement and consultation with all relevant stakeholders. On the matter of request of salary adjustment of eight and a half and two frozen increments, Cabinet has improved a three percent salary increase starting October 2025 and an additional increment at the start of fiscal year 2026/2027. So in effect a double increment will be issued then. Cabinet also authorized our negotiating team to reach an agreement with JUNT on the remaining five and a half percent increase and the additional increments, subject to mutual agreements relating to pensions reform and cost saving measures. Cabinet also instructed the Attorney General to give legal effect to government’s assumptions of a hundred percent of gratuity and pension for all teachers in grant aided institutions, effective September 2024. Previously government was only responsible for seventy percent, but because the churches was contributing their thirty percent and retired teachers were not receiving their due, government had to step in.”
In a world where news moves faster than ever, staying ahead means staying connected—and here at Greater Belize Media, we’re doing just that. We’re proud to roll out our “One Newsroom” initiative—a dynamic, unified approach that brings our entire news team together under one roof. This model is trusted by major newsrooms around the globe, but what makes ours different is how we’re shaping it to meet the unique needs of Belize. By centralizing our operations, we’re streamlining the way we deliver the news you count on—whether it’s breaking developments or in-depth reporting. Joining me this evening is News Director Isani Cayetano to share what this all means for the product you’ve come to trust and respect.
In today’s fast-paced media landscape, staying ahead means staying connected, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here at Greater Belize Media. We’re proud to introduce our “One Newsroom” approach, a unified system that brings together our reporters, videographers, and editors under one collaborative roof. It’s all about creating a seamless flow of information, where stories move quickly from the field to your screen with accuracy, speed, and impact. While the concept isn’t new—it’s a model used by major news organizations around the world—what makes our version unique is how we’re tailoring it to serve Belize better. By centralizing our information and production processes, we’re streamlining how we deliver the news you rely on. From breaking news to in-depth features, our “One Newsroom” is designed to keep you informed, engaged, and connected—every step of the way.
Britney Gordon
Britney Gordon, Reporter
“The One Newsroom model, I feel like, is a very interesting and beneficial concept that was introduced here. At first, we didn’t really understand what would be the purpose of bringing us all here together. But as soon we actually lived it and saw what it was like in reality, we completely understood. In terms of getting our work done, it makes things much quicker and simpler having my cameraman and editor just a couple steps away from me, it gets the work done so much faster.”
In the world of news, timing is everything, and behind every headline is a team working in sync to make it happen. When our reporters, videographers, and editors work closely together, the entire news process becomes smoother. Communication is direct, decisions are faster, and delays are reduced.
Britney Gordon
“The communication is able to just flow within the newsroom. If I want something edited for me, it’s just one call away, basically, just a couple steps away from me. And, in terms of getting out on the assignments, that’s so much quicker because as soon as the assignment is given to me, or we realize something is happening, it’s just hey, let’s go with me right now.”
That means stories are gathered, produced, and delivered to you more efficiently than ever. It’s this kind of teamwork that powers a newsroom—and ensures that you get the news you need, when you need it.
Darrel Moguel
Darrel Moguel, Videographer
“With the way news is nowadays, everything is fast, direct, and to the point and you want to grab people’s attention as quickly as possible. So I think the idea behind what we are trying to do is to get on the news as quickly as possible, get the most relevant parts of it out consumers and get it out there as quickly as possible.”
At Greater Belize Media, we’re not just reporting the news, we’re building a newsroom that speaks with one clear voice, across every platform you trust. A cohesive newsroom is at the heart of that mission. By working together under one editorial vision, our team ensures a unified voice, tone, and standard—whether you’re watching us on TV, reading online, or scrolling through social media.
Hipolito Novelo
Hipolito Novelo, Digital Editor
“The way news and news consumption is evolving is via social media and online platforms which is why we have a greater presence online throughout all of our social media platforms, including our website, our Whatsapp channel, and our Facebook Messenger channel. That’s because consumers of news, they want to consume news almost immediately. And that is what GBM offers, immediacy, and of course, the accuracy of it.”
Isani Cayetano
Isani Cayetano, News Director
We’re not just reacting to the news, we’re ready for it. When breaking news hits, our well-integrated team can pivot in an instant. Reporters hit the ground, videographers roll the cameras, and editors get to work—mobilizing resources quickly and efficiently to bring you the story as it unfolds. Great storytelling doesn’t happen by accident, it’s the result of collaboration, creativity, and a shared vision. It’s this spirit of teamwork that fuels innovation and keeps our storytelling fresh, relevant, and deeply connected to the communities we serve.
Britney Gordon
“Starting here has been truly, I’d say the best experience that I could have as a reporter because really, it’s just being tossed into the fire and you learn as you go and you grow as you are doing the work. I feel like I’ve been much more competent at making connections and talking to people. I might have the technical skills to write, coming in here, but really homing in that ability and being able to relay information to people and communicate with them much clearer has been something I’ve developed as I’ve been working here.”
Editors and producers work side by side with reporters and videographers in the field to make sure everything comes together just right. From fact-checking to fine-tuning the visuals, they’re the ones making sure the final piece is not only polished—but also meets the highest journalistic standards.
Darrel Moguel
“You started out doing one or two stories a day, now you’re doing far more. You started out thinking about just a six o’clock newscast, now you’re thinking about Facebook, you’re thinking about TikTok, you’re thinking about Twitter, you’re thinking about the twelve o’clock newscast. You’re thinking about the six o’clock news and you’re also thinking about news at the touch of a button. So it’s always flowing, it’s not stagnant.”
At the heart of every strong newsroom is something simple—but powerful: teamwork and trust. That’s exactly what our One Newsroom approach is all about. By bringing everyone together—reporters, editors, producers, and videographers—we’re not just working more efficiently, we’re building a space where ideas flow, stories grow, and every voice matters. The result? Credible, impactful journalism that truly connects with you—our audience. Because when we work as one, we tell stories that matter. Isani Cayetano for News Five.
Good evening, welcome to this week’s installment of Sports Monday. I am Paul Lopez brining you the latest highlights from this weekend in sports. We begin tonight with the basketball showdown in Dangriga that gave fans their money’s worth. The EZ Investment Dream Ballers took on the Cayo Western Ballaz. Their mission was to defend home court. Going into this one, the Dream Ballers organization had high expectations for the latest addition to its roster, Pro Import James Milton. Well, he was not disappoint. In his debut match, Milton put up an impressive thirty-two points and finished with thirteen rebounds. He shot sixty-five percent from the field and played a total of thirty-seven minutes and forty-eight seconds, with only two minutes on the bench for the entire match. And, the EZ Investment Dream Ballers needed that kind of contribution from him to ease the blows that were coming from the Western Ballaz’s Arik Nicholas. He finished with twenty-four points and eight rebounds, shooting fifty percent from the field. Nicholas led his team in the third quarter to close a huge deficit and made five of seven from the free throw line. These were the two most outstanding players in this matchup. But, the contributions from Deshawn Brackett for EZ Investment Dream Ballers cannot be understated. He finished with fifteen points, five rebounds and seven assists. Ultimately, the match was not short of high-flying dunks, nail biting comebacks, sweet victory and bitter defeat. The EZ Investment Dream Ballers came out on top with eighty-eight points, to defeat the Cayo Western Ballers that finished with seventy-six points. In Belize City, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks brought down the Belize City Thunderbolts in a game that ended with a score of one hundred and nine to one hundred and one. As this exciting inaugural season continues, we spoke with the General Manager and Owner of Corozal Cerros Sun, Lupito Acosta. Cerros Suns are newcomers to the league. Acosta told us about his expectations for this season.
Lupito Acosta, Owner, Corozal Cerros Suns
“We are looking forward to winning some games, being competitive int his tournament. Our first game we played a couple players were nervous. It was their first experience in an elite tournament. The other experienced players they knew what needed to be done and some of the mistakes we can fix and adjust for our upcoming game this Saturday. We have five Corozal players who it is their first time playing at this level. We have fifteen year old. One of the players has to be a U21. We are very excited to present him to Belize. He was nervous but he scored. He performed so we are looking forward to a better outcome for the next eleven games to come. For us we are not lying to our fans and saying we are coming out to win a championship. We are a new franchise with growing pains. All championships franchise went through their growing pains as well. We have already exceeded as a leadership team and owner.”
That is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.
After 34 incredible years of bringing you Belizean news, entertainment, and stories that matter, we’re turning the page to an exciting new chapter. As of May 26, 2025, Channel 5 is now officially Greater Belize Media. But don’t worry; we haven’t changed who we are at our core. This rebrand isn’t about leaving our legacy behind. It’s about embracing our growth and continuing to evolve with you.
From our roots as a small production company in the 1980s to launching the country’s first independent newscast in 1991, we’ve always pushed boundaries and raised the bar for Belizean media. Over the decades, we’ve created beloved shows like Open Your Eyes, KTV, Lauren Da Mawnin, Veranda Tales, Gimme 5, and Yes to I Do, all driven by one mission: to reflect and celebrate the spirit of Belize.
In recent years, we’ve embraced the digital age with open arms, streaming our content live, launching Belize’s first dedicated digital news team, building a unified newsroom, and going fully digital with all of our broadcasts. We introduced News 5 @Noon for busy viewers, launched the first-ever national Spanish-language TV newscast with Noticiero 5 Semanal, and even added a morning fitness programme, Morning Boost, to get your day started right.
So why the name change now? Because we’ve grown into more than just a television station. Today, we’re a full-fledged media company, creating content for TV, social media, the web, and beyond. And “Greater Belize Media” captures that expansion, our renewed commitment, and our shared future with you. Whether you’re watching on TV, scrolling through your feed, or streaming on the go, we’re here, delivering the content you care about most.
This transformation is about growing together, together with Belize, together with technology, and together with you, our loyal community.
CEO Marleni Cuellar said, “This rebrand is really just the next step in an evolution that was already ongoing here. We have been working over the past three years, diversifying internally, strengthening internally and creating our own shift into our digital realm.”
News Director Isani Cayetano said this evolution means “being able to provide more to our viewers, being able to give them exactly what they are asking us to deliver, which means timely information and accurate and actionable information.”
Digital Editor Hipolito Novelo said that Greater Belize Media means “simply being the best, being at the frontlines, being the voice for the voiceless and giving people what matters the most.”
Long-time videographer George Tillett has been with the company for thirty-two years, and he recounted when he filmed former US President Barack Obama. He said, “My trip to Trinidad in 2009, when there was the Caribbean Summit, I cannot forget when Obama stepped out of that car, and I was just behind my camera, capturing the moment when he turned around and waved and entered the summit meeting.”
Rick Romero, Production Director, said, “We are expanding our output in terms of what We are no longer just television. We are internet. We are social media. That has made a big difference in how we disseminate information. It’s all about expanding.”
