Articles by hipolito

Technology

ALL BELIZEAN, ALL DAY, EVERY DAY – GBM CLASSICS

ALL BELIZEAN, ALL DAY, EVERY DAY – GBM CLASSICS For the past three years, providing all-day Belizean or locally produced programs has been a central goal for our Greater Belize Media (GBM). Earlier this year, we took a significant step forward by beginning the digitization of our archives, which span over 30 years. As many long-time viewers know, while we are renowned for flagship productions like News 5 and KTV, over the past three decades, we have produced a wide variety of local programs, educational, informational, and entertainment, that resonate with our audience. In addition to our regular programming, we collaborate with clients to create specialized content for airing. This includes documentaries, customized talk shows, game shows, and public service announcements. Therefore, our library is extensive and rich with diverse content. As we collected these nostalgic treasures, it became evident that they hold immense value for documenting our unique Belizean culture and heritage. This realization led us to take the leap and shift our programming lineup by embracing all local content through the airing of what we call our GBM Classics. This transition allows us to revive a treasure trove of Belizean stories and experiences that might otherwise be forgotten. In the short term, viewers will have the opportunity to relive beloved 90’s classics like Lauren Da Mawnin, the Andy Palacio show, Dickie Bradley Show, documentaries from different eras in Belize’s development, and decades of KTV in its various iterations. We’ll also revive programs from the 2000s & 2010s that were loved and appreciated by our viewers. By airing these productions, we aim to showcase the vibrant history of Belizean art, culture, and storytelling. This programming not only entertains but also connects younger viewers with the stories and experiences of their parents and grandparents, offering valuable insights into our country’s past. It helps foster a deeper understanding of Belize’s social, cultural, and political history. Our bold commitment to all Belizean content embodies GBM’s “Growing Together” culture. We believe in the power of media to unite and strengthen communities. Looking ahead, we will continue to build appreciation for local productions by providing a platform for local creators who have long sought a space for their work. While our focus remains on Belizean content, we also recognize the importance of regional connections. Therefore, we will include select regional and international programs to enrich our offerings.

Oct 30, 2025

Technology

Hangar Controversy Deepens: Names and Statements

Hangar Controversy Deepens: Names and Statements The barricades may be gone, but the controversy remains. News 5 has obtained statements from City Hall, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, and the Ministry of Natural Resources regarding considerations to subdivide the Hangar area in Belize City. After News Five broke the story of an application for a provisional plan to subdivide and privatise the Hangar seafront, Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner has finally spoken, carefully. “The Council has no jurisdiction in issuing land in Belize City. We control streets, parks, playgrounds and reserves, but we have no authority to issue lands. We acted on the request of residents through a petition. Our action was to limit access to the area by foot. That is the extent of our action. The Hangar area is a street.” The Hangar area is a designated street named “Henry Fairweather Street.” According to a document, “On August 23, 2024, the Physical Planning Unit issued a receipt for an instrument with the number LUA-202400351, granting provisional approval for subdivision. The parcels involved are identified as 45-35-27, 45-35-26, 45-35-32, and 45-35-31. The proprietors listed include Louis Leslie, Henry C. Fairweather, JRD Holdings Ltd., Kenneth Clifton Fairweather (as administrator of the estate of Henry C. Fairweather, deceased), and Nicholas Edward Hastings (personal representative of the estate of Pamela Mary Hastings, deceased). The clients named in the document are Allen McNab, Jules Vasquez, Louis Leslie, and Michael James Fields, all identified as landowners.” Pressed on whether the Council would need to approve any move to decommission that street, Wagner acknowledged that such authority does lie with the Council, but insisted that was not what happened in this case. “Our approval was not about decommissioning,” he said. “It was to restrict vehicles and people who access that area and terrorise the residents.” When asked about the provisional subdivision request that our newsroom uncovered, a document showing a 2024 attempt to carve up the Hangar area into private lots, the Mayor said he had “no knowledge” of it. “That has not been proposed to the Council,” Wagner stated. “However, those kinds of requests have been made in the past by residents, and on some occasions we’ve allowed them based on the circumstances. Personally, I am for prioritising quality of life for all residents.” When we reached out to Minister of Infrastructure Development Julius Espat, he confirmed that MIDH has no jurisdiction over the Hangar area since it lies within city limits. “That is outside of MIDH’s jurisdiction,” Espat said. “Even the decommissioning and the public consultation component would fall under the Belize City Council.” That statement squarely puts the ball back in the Council’s court. Paul Thompson, CEO in the Ministry of Natural Resources confirmed to News 5 that indeed an application for provisional approval was submitted in August 2024 to subdivide the Hangar seafront, but says it was rejected almost immediately. “The application was a nonstarter,” Thompson said. “It never made it for consideration by the Land Utilization and Subdivision Authority. The reason is simple, an application to subdivide land can only be made by the legal owner, and the Hangar area is Government of Belize land.” Thompson added that no leases or purchase applications currently exist for the Hangar site. This is a developing story.

Oct 30, 2025

Technology

Fire Victim Shadia Magaña Dies from Injuries

Fire Victim Shadia Magaña Dies from Injuries Seventeen-year-old Shadia Magaña, one of the victims of Monday morning’s devastating fire in San Felipe, has died. Magaña had sustained critical burn injuries after she, her mother Angelita Magaña, and younger brother Tishan were allegedly doused in gasoline and set ablaze by Angelita’s estranged partner, 35-year-old Francisco Godoy. Godoy passed away this morning at the KHMH in Belize City. The attack occurred in the early hours of October 20. Shadia, who had recently graduated from high school, was initially treated at the Northern Regional Hospital before being transferred to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for advanced care. Despite intensive medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries this morning.

Oct 22, 2025

Health

Man Accused of Setting Family on Fire Dies from His Injuries

Man Accused of Setting Family on Fire Dies from His Injuries 35-year-old Francisco Godoy, accused of killing his estranged partner and their two children in a horrific fire in San Felipe Village, has died. Godoy passed away around 5:45 a.m. today, while receiving treatment at the K.H.M.H. for severe burns covering 90 percent of his body. In the early hours of Monday morning, Godoy allegedly broke into the home of Angelita Magaña and set her and her children, six-year-old Tishan and 17-year-old Shadia, on fire after dousing them with gasoline. Magaña and Tishan died in the blaze. Shadia, according to reports, died while receiving treatment at the Northern Regional Hospital. Godoy had been hospitalised under police guard as authorities prepared to charge him. His death brings an end to the criminal case, though investigators continue to examine

Oct 22, 2025

Technology

Belize City Man Shot Dead

Belize City Man Shot Dead A man was gunned down in Belize City late Tuesday night. Police responded to reports of gunfire around 10:45 p.m. on Nurse Findley Crescent and later found 37-year-old Ricardo Arturo Escobar, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds at the K.H.M.H. Investigators say Escobar was standing on the street when an unidentified gunman approached and opened fire, striking him several times before escaping. This is a developing story.

Oct 22, 2025

Technology

Sickle Cell Couldn’t Stop Him, Carlos Aims to Heal Others

Sickle Cell Couldn’t Stop Him, Carlos Aims to Heal Others In 2007, when he was four years old, Carlos Beardall Jr was diagnosed with sickle cell anaemia. The diagnosis was confirmed after many visits to hospitals in Belize and Mexico. His mother, Anna Salazar, told News 5, “It was a terrible journey; I was financially, emotionally, and mentally drained… watching my son in critical condition on many occasions, fighting to stay alive, and not even knowing where the funds would come from to deal with medical bills.” Year after year, Carlos endured hospital stays that stretched from days to weeks and sometimes even a month at a time. Salazar recalls one heartbreaking moment when Carlos, feeling defeated, asked, “Why can’t I live a normal life?” Struggling to find the right words, she turned to prayer, believing that if she couldn’t help him, God would send someone who could. Despite constantly being sick and numerous absences, Carlos excelled in school, ranking in the top three of both his preschool and primary school classes. As he neared the end of primary school, he applied for a BTL scholarship to attend high school. During his interview, Carlos shared his dream of becoming a doctor so he could help others facing illnesses like his own. “My heart melted, and tears began to stream down my face, because I was present at that part of the interview,” Salazar said. He was awarded the scholarship and attended Our Lady of Guadalupe RC High School in Belmopan, where he again graduated in the top three, despite having over 60 absences in his final year. He signed up for 10 CXCs but only took 9 because “the day when he was to take the final one, he ended up in the hospital.” Carlos was successful in all 9 examinations, including chemistry, biology and physics, according to his mother. His determination wasn’t limited to academics. In high school, he joined the national softball team. Carlos was then accepted to attend the University of Belize, where he earned an associate degree in biochemistry with top marks. He also played for the university’s softball team, the Black Jaguars. According to Salazar, Carlos never missed a game despite his health struggles. Now at 22 years old, Carlos is set to receive his bachelor’s in biology (with honours) on Saturday. He has been accepted into the University of Belize School of Medicine as a member of the Class of 2030. Salazar, a single mother of four, says the journey has been difficult but deeply rewarding. Her biggest challenge now is financial. Between medical bills and school expenses, she struggles to keep up. Still, she says she shows up for Carlos, whether he’s playing a game or being rushed to the hospital. According to Salazar, she has met many mothers in similar situations and always encourages them to keep fighting. “My son made me a stronger person,” she said, hoping that by sharing Carlos’s story, he might receive further assistance to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.

Oct 8, 2025

Technology

Albania Appoints World’s First AI “Minister” to Fight Corruption

Albania Appoints World’s First AI “Minister” to Fight Corruption Albania has made headlines by introducing the world’s first AI-powered government “minister,” a move aimed at tackling corruption in public procurement. Prime Minister Edi Rama unveiled the cabinet addition, known simply as Diella, four months after securing his fourth term in office. Unlike traditional ministers, Diella is entirely artificial. While symbolic, Albania’s constitution requires ministers to be mentally competent citizens aged 18 or older, her role is intended to enhance transparency and efficiency in government. “Diella will help make public tenders 100% free of corruption,” Rama told the BBC. “Not only will we remove undue influence, but the process will also be faster, more efficient, and fully accountable.” Diella, whose name means “sun” in Albanian, has already been active as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform, helping over a million citizens navigate official documents. Rama envisions her as part of a broader AI model designed to modernise public procurement and “leapfrog” traditional bureaucratic systems. Reactions to the initiative are mixed. The opposition Democratic Party called it “ridiculous” and “unconstitutional,” while some experts and business leaders see potential. Dr. Andi Hoxhaj, a corruption specialist at King’s College London, notes that properly programmed AI could allow bids to be evaluated more transparently, supporting Albania’s ongoing EU accession efforts.

Oct 8, 2025