Belize’s popular entertainment and giveaway show, Gimme 5, is back for its annual five-night run in celebration of the station’s anniversary. This year’s Gimme 5 will run from December 2nd to 6th, starting at 8 p.m.
One of the network’s longest-running programs, Gimme 5 engages viewers with exciting giveaways and the chance to win big prizes.
Participants submit coupons for a chance to be selected, but there’s one key rule: when the phone rings, don’t say “Hello.” Instead, viewers must answer with the iconic phrase, “Gimme 5!”
Coupons are also available at Channel 5 Studios on Coney Drive in Belize City.
With its blend of fun and tradition, Gimme 5 continues to captivate audiences year after year. Tune in to join the excitement and celebrate this enduring part of Belizean television.
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center has announced a revision of its entrance fees, effective Sunday, December 1, 2024. This marks the first adjustment in over a decade, prompted by an 85% increase in operational costs during that time.
Under the new fee structure, Belizean adults will pay $10 BZD, while children aged 3-12 will be charged $2 BZD. For non-residents, admission will be $40 BZD for adults and $10 BZD for children aged 3-12.
The Belize Zoo said that the adjustment is essential to maintaining its high standards of care for wildlife and its ongoing education and conservation efforts.
Cabinet approved several key initiatives aimed at enhancing tourism, modernising governance, and strengthening national security. Among the measures was the extension of weekend operating hours at the Punta Gorda Port of Entry, paired with targeted marketing to attract more traffic to Southern Belize and capitalise on Toledo’s cultural and natural appeal. Cabinet approved infrastructure upgrades and marina development in Punta Gorda to bolster tourism offerings and stimulate economic growth in the south.
In a move toward improving national standards, the Cabinet established a National Quality Council under the Bureau of Standards to oversee the implementation of Belize’s National Quality Policy. This Council will address areas such as standardisation, technical regulations, accreditation, and market surveillance. Modernisation efforts also include comprehensive amendments to the Labour Act and updates to the Trade Licensing Act, with new regulations for the latter set to take effect on October 1, 2025. Additionally, the Law Revision Act will be repealed and replaced to improve the consolidation of Belize’s laws, with the establishment of a Law Reform Commission to guide future reforms.
In the realm of security and efficiency, Cabinet approved Belize’s National Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment Report to align with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and mitigate risks in the public and private sectors. Further advancing its modernisation agenda under #PlanBelize, the government will introduce electronic immigration and customs forms at the Philip Goldson International Airport starting December 1, 2024. This initiative will expand to all ports of entry by January 2025, with paper forms fully phased out by March 31, 2025.
Over the past few weeks, News Five has uncovered several troubling issues surrounding Caribi Bleu Casino in San Pedro, including its owner’s alleged connection to an illegal gaming spot in Lady Lake, Florida, and the discovery of an unauthorised ATM that dispenses U.S. currency on the casino premises. However, to understand the full context of these developments, it’s essential to explore how casinos operate in Belize, the regulatory frameworks in place, and the multiple authorities overseeing the industry.
While the exact value of Belize’s casino market remains undisclosed, the local industry is undoubtedly significant, bolstered by the influx of half a million tourists in 2023. According to a recent study, the global casino market was valued at $163 billion in 2023, with Latin America contributing an estimated $8.7 billion. This suggests that Belize’s casino industry could be poised for substantial growth, attracting significant investments.
The Road to Opening a Casino in Belize
Belize’s casino industry is governed by a complex regulatory framework, originating from the first recorded legislation, the Gaming Control Act, introduced in 1999. During the National Assembly debate on the bill, then Prime Minister Said Musa noted that the legislation would establish a system for licensing and regulating casinos, allowing the government to impose taxes on gaming revenues. Since then, the Gaming Control Act has undergone multiple amendments, evolving into a comprehensive sixty-one-page document.
To open a casino in Belize, an operator must apply to the Gaming Control Board. Applicants must meet several stringent requirements, including significant investment in a four- or five-star hotel or resort. They must also submit a detailed business plan, provide clearance from the Belize Tourism Board, offer a set of fingerprints for background checks, and secure approval from local authorities such as the area representative, mayor, and the police.
According to Bob Bounahra, Chairman of the Gaming Control Board, “If all the checks are not crossed, you are not getting a license.” He further explained that the clearance from the Belize Tourism Board is crucial to ensure casinos contribute positively to the country’s tourism industry. Additionally, obtaining a no-objection letter from local officials is critical, as the Gaming Control Board relies on their knowledge of local conditions to make informed decisions about casino licensing.
The Role of the Gaming Control Board
The Gaming Control Board, a nine-member body composed of representatives from various government ministries, is tasked with regulating the casino industry, granting and revoking licenses, and ensuring compliance with gaming laws. Bounahra noted that the board conducts compliance checks about two or three times a year, though the Gaming Control Act does not specify the frequency of these visits. The Ministry of Investment’s compliance unit is responsible for performing these on-site checks.
Despite the board’s oversight, one pressing concern in the casino industry is the risk of money laundering. According to a 2009 study by the Financial Action Task Force, casinos are a high-risk sector for money laundering activities. As a result, Belize’s Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act includes casinos in its scope, with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) overseeing compliance with anti-money laundering laws.
In addition to the FIU, the Gaming Control Board conducts its own compliance assessments, receiving monthly financial reports from casinos. While Bounahra stated that the board does not directly monitor financial transactions, he emphasised the importance of progress in anti-money laundering efforts, noting, “We were at zero before taking over this last board in 2021, and now we’re almost there.”
The Unauthorised ATM at Caribi Bleu Casino
Amidst these regulations, one question continues to loom: How did Caribi Bleu Casino manage to operate an unauthorised ATM that dispenses U.S. dollars on its premises? According to the Exchange Control Regulations Act, establishments that deal in foreign currency must receive authorisation from the Central Bank of Belize. Additionally, the Payment Systems Act requires a license for operating ATMs, which must be clearly displayed within the establishment.
News Five’s investigation revealed that Caribi Bleu Casino’s ATM was dispensing U.S. currency, but the casino does not have the necessary authorisation from the Central Bank of Belize. Bounahra, when asked about the ATM, stated that the Gaming Control Board does not have authority over such matters, as the Central Bank is responsible for regulating payment systems and foreign currency dealings.
As we continue our investigation into Caribi Bleu Casino, many questions remain unanswered. Did the Central Bank of Belize authorise the casino to operate the ATM and deal in U.S. currency? Has the casino been subject to proper regulatory oversight, and are authorities aware of any potential money laundering risks associated with its operations?
News Five is committed to uncovering the truth and will continue to seek answers from the relevant authorities.
Following News Five’s previous explosive interview with San Pedro’s Mayor Wally Nunez about allegations of up to two hundred golf cart permits issued to Caribi Bleu Casino, News Five has uncovered new revelations, including video footage that raises further concerns about the casino’s operations. Our latest investigation has exposed that Caribi Bleu Casino may not only be involved in questionable golf cart permit dealings but is also illegally operating an ATM that dispenses U.S. currency without the necessary authorisation.
In our previous report, News Five challenged Mayor Nunez about the claims that Caribi Bleu had been granted an excessive number of golf cart permits. The mayor firmly denied the allegations, asserting that only twenty golf carts were approved for the casino as part of a renewal process for existing permits.
Today, we were given access to the San Pedro Town Council’s Vehicle Master List, which reveals a total of 14,467 registered vehicles on Ambergris Caye. However, the list only indicates the number of registered vehicles, not how many permits were issued. After a thorough search, we found that Caribi Bleu Casino had twenty golf carts registered under the name “Caribi Bleu Limited” as of May 28, 2024—confirming the mayor’s claim that the casino holds twenty permits.
Despite this, our investigation continues to raise questions. The Vehicle Master List does not show the full extent of permits granted to businesses, so we cannot yet confirm if additional permits were issued to Caribi Bleu outside of the official record. Furthermore, during a visit to the casino’s premises, News Five discovered multiple golf carts being stored in a neighbouring building currently under development. Although Caribi Bleu’s spokesperson denied that any golf carts were stored there, video footage from early October painted a different picture, showing several golf carts parked on the first floor of the building.
The most alarming revelation, however, involves an ATM inside Caribi Bleu Casino that dispenses U.S. dollars. Under Belize’s Exchange Control Regulations Act, any establishment dealing in foreign currency must be authorised by the Central Bank. In a covert operation, a bank card was used to withdraw funds from the casino’s ATM, which promptly dispensed two U.S. bills. Our investigation has confirmed that Caribi Bleu Casino does not have the necessary Central Bank authorisation for the ATM, violating both the Exchange Control Regulations Act and the Payment Systems Act, which requires a license for ATM operations. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in heavy fines, jail time, or administrative penalties.
Questions abound regarding the origins of the U.S. currency dispensed by the ATM and whether Caribi Bleu’s operations are being properly scrutinised by the authorities. Has the Gaming Control Board conducted adequate compliance checks? And are they ensuring that Caribi Bleu adheres to anti-money laundering regulations? These are just some of the questions that remain unanswered.
As we continue our investigation, the story of Caribi Bleu Casino and its potentially illegal activities is far from over. News Five will keep digging to uncover the full extent of these troubling developments.
Ambergris Caye, one of Belize’s most popular tourist destinations, is facing a growing traffic issue as golf carts continue to flood the island. Locals have long expressed frustration over the sheer volume of these vehicles, particularly during the busy tourist season. However, new reports suggest that the very officials tasked with regulating the island’s traffic problem might be inadvertently contributing to it.
A recent investigation by News Five uncovered claims that a new company on the island, Caribi Bleu, was granted an unusually large number of golf cart permits. According to sources, the company received as many as two hundred permits earlier this year. This raises questions about the transparency of the island’s permit issuance process, especially when officials have been vocal about the need to curb the number of golf carts on Ambergris Caye.
San Pedro’s Town Mayor, ‘Wally’ Nunez, denies these allegations. In an interview, Nunez stated that the company, formerly known as Monetta, only applied for a renewal of the twenty golf cart permits they held as part of their resort operations. “There has been no approval for any more golf carts other than the twenty,” Nunez said. He also emphasised that the permits were granted to replace old carts and that the company had no more than twenty carts registered.
During a visit to the Caribi Bleu property, News Five spotted over a dozen golf carts parked in the company’s lot, each with a license plate. But what raised further concerns was video footage showing several additional golf carts stored away in a nearby warehouse, seemingly in excess of the official number.
Despite these findings, Nunez maintained that the carts observed were all registered. “We haven’t had any proof per se that there are any other golf carts that are not registered,” he stated, adding that the council’s staff actively monitors the situation. He also acknowledged that some individuals had tried to bribe their way into obtaining golf cart permits, a practice he condemned, stressing that anyone caught offering bribes would be fired.
The issue of golf cart permits has become more contentious due to the moratorium the San Pedro Town Council imposed earlier this year, limiting the issuance of new permits. This makes existing permits even more valuable and raises concerns over how easily they can be manipulated.
Beyond the allegations surrounding golf cart permits, News Five investigated further into the operations of Caribi Bleu Casino. An LLC by the name Caribi Bleu International Limited was registered in the United States as part of American Conglomerate, LLC. The company’s manager, Rima Ray, also operates an internet café in Florida. Allegations have surfaced that Ray’s internet cafe is operating illegal slot machines. According to local sources, Ray is a prominent sponsor of the San Pedro Pirates Football Club, with the Caribi Bleu logo prominently displayed on the team’s jerseys and promotional materials.
When asked about his relationship with Ray, Area Representative Andre Perez, who has previously spoken out about the need for tighter control on golf cart imports, denied any personal knowledge of the businessman. Meanwhile, Ray has yet to respond to requests for comment from News Five.
As the investigation continues, locals on Ambergris Caye remain concerned about the future of their island’s traffic woes and whether the regulations meant to control it are being manipulated by those with the right connections. With golf cart permits in high demand, the transparency of the issuance process will likely be a key issue for both residents and visitors alike in the months to come.
David Almendarez has expressed his commitment to creating opportunities for everyone to advance in life. He stated that if elected in Belize Rural Central and if the UDP, under the leadership of Moses “Shyne” Barrow, forms the next government, he will push for adherence to the UN Convention against Corruption. Almendarez, who launched his campaign a week ago, told News Five that while he does not identify as a UDP, he believes running under the party’s banner offers him the best chance of success.
Almendarez said, “When the majority of us are suffering, that is what brought me into the political arena. I saw the Alliance when they did their move. And when I watched it, I dropped on my knees and I prayed to my God. And I said, everything I see in the Alliance, the whole UDP at that point in time, I have never met Shyne. I don’t know Shyne. I don’t have Shyne’s phone number.”
Almendarez says he later got in contact with Barrow.
Almendarez continued, “I told Shyne, ‘I don’t know you, but I want to tell you something about me. If you’re serious about change, if you just want another little Hulu award, if you don’t need one little crumb on your thing to see you going back to the States like King Jaffe, come holler at me, because I want to join the fight. But if you’re just there for being a politician and being fake, if you don’t know how to clean the house, actually, I told Shyne, go win your court case.”
Almendarez wants to be the candidate for the U.D.P. for Belize Rural Central.
At a conference today in Belize City, Governor of the Central Bank of Belize Kareem Michael highlighted Belize’s strong economic recovery post-pandemic. “The Belizean economy has proven itself to be resilient. We have weathered the covid pandemic, the oil price shock coming out of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the weather shocks from Hurricane Lisa in 2022, and other adverse climate-related events. Today we can confidently say that since the onset of the pandemic and these additional external shocks, our economy has fully recovered.”
Michael noted that real GDP per person in 2023 surpassed pre-pandemic levels, reaching higher than what it would have been without these disruptions. He pointed out that growth is now more widespread across sectors, contrasting with previous years affected by challenges like weather and high fertiliser costs.
The Central Bank of Belize projects the economy to grow by about 7% in 2024, outperforming growth expectations for other Central American and Caribbean nations and exceeding the global average of 2.1%. “In Belize’s case, the Central Bank of Belize expects that growth will be around 4.1%, again exceeding the global growth and the Latin American Caribbean region growth, and this should be above what the IMF says is our long growth potential output, which is again 2.5%,” Michael stated.
On September 26, the Central Bank of Belize announced the approval of a new series of banknotes. During a press conference this morning, the bank shared that the new notes will be unveiled in January 2025. These new banknotes will be designed with improved features to make them more resistant to counterfeiting.
For those concerned about the current banknotes in circulation, the Central Bank stated that the “current notes will remain valid.”
It was mentioned that before the new banknotes are fully in circulation, there will be a transition period to give the public plenty of time to become familiar with the new design.
As the oldest and largest bank in Belize, Belize Bank’s legacy celebrated a new shift last night with the launch of “Brand Icon Reveal” at the Belize Bank Business Centre on Albert Street, Belize City. Chairman & CEO of The Belize Bank Limited, Filippo Alario, expressed his honour while unveiling the bank’s new brand identity, describing it as “something small, but… monumental in our view, in terms of significance.” Speaking about the significance of the new symbol, he stated, “Today we are celebrating the launch of a tiny yet mighty digital symbol that embodies who we are, where we are, and where we want to go. Now, you may be thinking, What’s the big deal with something so small?”
Alario humorously added, “I want you all to step on a Lego brick in the middle of the night. I have a five-year-old and a two-year-old, and I can tell you something small can pack a good punch.” He explained that the symbol is more than just a design. “It’s a beacon of who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re heading. It’s a reflection of our roots, our purpose, and our vision for the future.”
“We all know Belize Bank is the largest and oldest bank in Belize. We’ve been around since 1902… This legacy reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and resilience.” He highlighted the bank’s deep ties to Belize’s vibrant and diverse culture and its commitment to serving communities. The new symbol, he noted, serves as a reminder to “stay true to our values while celebrating and championing our evolving identity.”
The new icon also symbolises hope and renewed commitment. “It is our renewed commitment to financial inclusion, sustainability, and innovation. We are here to support small businesses, foster economic growth, and empower Belizeans in every corner,” he stated. Alario assured that despite the focus on digitalisation, the human element remains integral to the bank’s mission. “Behind every transaction is a story… a person. We are embracing this digital era to ensure that the way you interact with us is not only digital but also personal.”
In her welcome address, Chief Operations Officer Agatha Ruta spoke on the transformative impact of digital banking in Belize and the region of Central America. She pointed out that digital services have overcome traditional barriers like limited branch access and the lack of trust in banking. Ruta said that digital banking’s “role in reducing poverty and improving economic mobility by offering financial services to those who were previously excluded; digital banking is giving individuals tools to become more independent when it comes to financial services.”
Ruta said that digital loan applications are a significant change, making credit more accessible and less burdensome for many Belizeans. She described this as “a game changer,” allowing people to apply for loans from home for purposes like education or starting a business at “the palm of their hands.”
According to Belize Bank, this shift enhances security and traceability, reducing risks of fraud and money laundering. Its digital strategy has led to a significant shift in how people access financial services. With 75% of customers using digital banking and a 30% conversion rate of previously unbanked individuals, these efforts have made banking more accessible and transparent. The bank’s fully digital loan application, launched in June 2023, offers 24/7 access, secure document signing, and real-time status updates. This service has processed over 19,000 applications and generated 21 million in revenue, showcasing Belize Bank’s commitment to modern banking.
“Your bank should be on your phone, in your pocket, wherever you go, 24/7,” said Alario.
