After years of complaints about neglected facilities and limited opportunities for young athletes, Minister of Youth and Sports Anthony Mahler says it’s time for a major reset. Mahler is stepping in with a bold plan to revamp the ministry and restore confidence in its mission. He acknowledges that the road ahead won’t be easy, describing the task as “heavy lifting”—but one he’s ready to take on. We caught up with the minister to get his thoughts on the national budget recently presented by Prime Minister John Briceño, and whether it includes enough funding to support his ambitious goals for youth and sports development.
Anthony Mahler
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Youth & Sports
“ My original slogan was change agent. And I believe that I have shown the nation that I’m capable of leading these changes. When we got in, tourism was nothing. We were built it to record levels now and we’re putting in better fundamentals in it and for sustainability and for this organic growth that we need instead of exponential growth and youth transports are going to be the same thing, we come with a level of discipline. We come with a level of focus, we come with a plan to ensure that we meet the needs of this country. And like I said, youth and sports are too important for us not to get it right.”
Reporter
“Do you believe the ministry was given sufficient funds in this year’s budget to complete these goals that you want to accomplish?”
Anthony Mahler
“I believe it’s a start and I believe it’s a good start. And like I said, we will continue restructure, we’ll continue to become more efficient and we will continue to partner, like for example, sports. We should be partnering federations like the Golf Federation to ensure that they have developmental programs and that they have the adequate facilities, that they have the means of, of improving. In the game, just like basketball, just like volleyball, just like cricket. All of these things play a crucial role in the development of Belize.”
Despite a few bumps in the road, Belize’s tourism industry is showing strong signs of growth—and the outlook for the rest of the year is promising. Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler shared that the country saw record-breaking visitor numbers in January, February, and April of this year. March was slightly down, but only because Easter fell in April this year, unlike last year when it boosted March’s numbers. Mahler recently met with major airlines and the U.S. Embassy, and the message was clear: an uptick in travel to Belize is expected after June.
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
“I had a meeting yesterday with the US Embassy and we had a frank; open discussion and I believe that this is an opportunity for us. I think things are going to settle down. Last week Friday, I met with some of the major airlines that come to Belize and all of them are saying that they’re expecting an uptick after June. For the first four months of this year, we’ve seen record numbers, except for March, whereby last year March you had Easter in it and this year, Easter fell in April. And so, January was a record month, February was a record month, March, we were marginally down and April we had a record month. So, now it’s how we position ourselves. I believe the Mexican market is important. The Canadian market is important. South America is going to be important and the regional aspect of it. But air connectivity is also important, so we have some contracts on the table and hopefully we can get those worked out before the end of the year whereby we have new carriers coming into Belize.”
Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler says he’s completely unaware of any plans for a massive resort development in Belize allegedly linked to convicted Australian crime boss Bassam Hamzy. The proposed project, reportedly named “Boss City”, is said to include stadiums, towers, waterways, and residential areas, with a multibillion-dollar price tag. But when asked about it, Mahler was clear.
Britney Gordon
“Sir, are you of the reported plans by convicted Australian crime boss, Bassam Hamzy, to develop a multibillion-dollar resort in Belize known as Boss City? It’s set to be equipped with stadiums, towers, waterways, and residential areas.”
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
“Ahuh?”
Britney Gordon
“Are you aware of it?”
Anthony Mahler
“Absolutely not.”
Britney Gordon
“What is your immediate reaction to the revelation that such a proposal has been tied to Belize’s real estate sector?”
Anthony Mahler
“I know nothing about it so I can’t speak to it. Usually, if they are going to have that level of investment, we would know. This is the first I’m hearing about it. I’ll check with the people at the Belize Tourism Board and the hotels department to see if there is such a thing. But, you said a billion-dollar investment?”
Britney Gordon
“Yes, a multibillion-dollar investment.”
Anthony Mahler
“So, from you hear that, you know that da fool.”
Britney Gordon
“Given the criminal background of the individual behind the project, what safeguard does Belize have to prevent illicit actors from entering the tourism and investment sector?”
Anthony Mahler
“Well we have a stringent program that we go through in terms of screening people. Like I said, yes we want investments, but we want quality people to invest in Belize.”
A shocking incident on Holy Thursday has sent ripples through Belize’s aviation industry, prompting swift and serious changes to domestic airline security. In the wake of this unprecedented event, the Belize City Municipal Airport and other domestic terminals have significantly ramped up security. Effective immediately, all passengers and personal items must undergo mandatory screening before boarding. Physical searches may also be conducted, and law enforcement presence has been increased at airstrips nationwide. Earlier today, we caught up with Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler, who emphasized that these measures are not just reactive, they’re part of a broader commitment to ensuring the safety of all travelers. He noted that while Belize has long enjoyed a reputation for safe and efficient domestic travel, this incident has underscored the need for proactive, modern security protocols.
Anthony Mahler
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
“911 was the same situation, but I have to travel. I don’t like traveling because of all the stress that you go through when you go through security, but I prefer piece of mind and I prefer that the measures are put in place rather than just having faith.”
Several key agencies fall under the Ministry of Tourism, Youth & Sports — including the Belize Tourism Board, the Border Management Agency, and the National Sports Council. Since the People’s United Party returned to power after the March 12th elections, the government has been in the process of reshaping all statutory boards. That includes the ones overseen by Minister Anthony Mahler, who’s now responsible for guiding these bodies through a fresh round of appointments and restructuring.
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
“We have Dr. Vincent Palacio chairing the BTB. You have Mr. Dufy Nunez chairing Border Management and you have Mr. Pete Lizarraga chairing the National Sports Council. All capable individuals that could provide the necessary leadership and that will provide the necessary leadership for those organizations and we’ll continue to see good things come out of those organizations.”
It’s more than just a court, it’s a symbol of hope, unity, and opportunity. In Cayo North, a brand-new basketball facility is turning heads and changing lives. From slam dunks to second chances, this story shows how one court is helping young Belizeans find their purpose, on and off the hardwood. Here’s Isani Cayetano.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
There’s a new buzz in the air in Cayo North—and it’s not just the sound of sneakers squeaking on fresh hardwood. A brand-new basketball court has officially opened, and it’s already proving to be more than just a place to play. But beyond the slam dunks and three-pointers, this project carries a deeper message: sports can change lives.
Karim Juan
Karim Juan
“Your belief in the power of sports and community has helped to provide a safe and inspiring space for our athletes. To the players, fans, and sports enthusiasts, this court is for you. We hope this space fosters your passion for the game and serves as a foundation for future successes. As we step on to this court tonight, let us remember that it represents more than just basketball. It symbolizes the community’s unity, our commitment to youth development and the belief that together we can achieve great things.”
Basketball courts like this one are more than just places to shoot hoops. They’re community hubs where young people from all backgrounds come together, break down barriers, and build lasting bonds. For many, it’s a place to feel included, respected, and part of something bigger.
Devin Daly
Devin Daly, Minister of State, Youth & Sports
“Ah feel all types of emotions right now, honestly, because I am a true testament of what sports and, specifically, basketball has done for me. This is the start to, hopefully, many great things, many great programs within this community and I am sure that the local association will see that through. But before I continue on, I would like to share a bit of my journey and what sports did for me, what education [did for me.] At the Ministry of Youth and Sports, we’ve established early what we want to be, the four pillars moving forward for our political tenure. We’re looking at education, health and wellness, economics and civic pride, all of them we are trying to tie together with this new vision led by Minister Anthony Mahler.”
Getting involved in sports does more than build physical strength—it helps young people discover who they are. Being part of a team gives them a sense of belonging, boosts their confidence, and helps them feel seen and valued by both peers and adults. This kind of support is especially important during the teenage years, when young people are figuring out their identity and where they fit in the world.
Anthony Mahler
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Youth & Sports
“For me, facilities like this can help us create and build better people across the country. If we have better people, we have a better tourism industry. That’s how I was looking at it, and we have a better country. And so, I prefer investing in facilities like this than investing in guns and vehicles for the police to do their job. If we have decent people then we don’t have to worry about that part of it. And so, that was the idea behind this.”
Having access to sports facilities gives young people a safe and structured place to spend their time, especially after school. These spaces offer supervised activities that keep them active, focused, and out of trouble. It’s a simple but powerful way to steer youth away from risky behavior and toward positive growth.
Michel Chebat
Michel Chebat, Area Representative, Cayo North
“This court stands, not just as a physical structure, but as a symbol of progress, collaboration and our shared commitment to youth and sports development in this region. We have long known the talent and passion for basketball that lives within our towns and no our athletes finally have a facility that matches their potential. This court is more than just hardwood and hoops. It is the foundation for dreams, discipline and unity. Let us continue to support our young athletes and keep pushing forward together.”
The court was made possible through sponsorship from the Belize Tourism Board, and it’s already being hailed as a game-changer for the community.
Professional basketball is making a strong comeback in Belize, this time with a fresh name, new leadership, and a big vision for the future. The Belize Premier Basketball League (BPBL) is set to launch its very first season tonight at the Belize City Civic Center. The opening game promises to be a high-energy showdown between the EZ Investment Dangriga Dream Ballers and the Belize City Thunderbolts. But this isn’t just the start of a new season, it’s the beginning of a new era. Minister of Sports Anthony Mahler will be on hand to shoot the opening free throw at the start of the game. But what does he think about the new league and the future of semipro basketball in Belize?
Anthony Mahler
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Youth & Sports
“It’s better than nothing, but we plan to sit down with the basketball federation and we plan to bring back the original semipro basketball league early next year.”
Reporter
“So you don’t see this one being a long-lasting [league]?”
Anthony Mahler
“Well it could be. I mean, they are doing it in the summer months. Usually, thattournament starts in January. So we’ll see how it goes from there, but it’ s better to have our athletes playing rather than just sitting down home doing nothing and just play scrimmage ball at the parks.”
Copa Los Volcanes is coming to Belize. It’s one of the biggest golf tournaments in Central America, and for the first time ever, it is being hosted at the Roaring River Golf Course in Roaring Creek. This event presents Belize with the exciting opportunity to showcase local players’ talent and highlight the potential for the nation to emerge as a premier golf destination. News Five’s Britney Gordon visited the golf course earlier today to learn all about the historic opportunity.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
While golf may not be Belize’s most popular sport, the local community is growing and this tournament is a major opportunity to showcase both the country’s talent and its potential as a golf destination. Minister of Sports Anthony Mahler expressed full support for the event, calling it a win for both sports and tourism.
Anthony Mahler
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Sports
“Well we’re in full support of this tournament, I think an tournament of this magnitude. Epecially our region regional tournament. It brings in people into Belize to participate and to compete at the highest level. And those things are important for us. So we support this initiative a hundred percent and I’m wearing two hats here as minister of tourism because that brings in tourism Laas as well. And as minister of sport, I think golf is a good wholesome sport that we can getmore Belizeans involved.”
The tournament will feature elite players from five other Central American countries. Pedro Lizarraga, co-owner of the Roaring River Golf Course, sees it as a chance to put Belize on the map.
Pedro Lizarraga
Pedro Lizarraga, Co-owner, Roaring River Golf Course
“It definitely puts Belize on a map in the golfing community, and Belize has partook in this tournament since 2018. As you know, it’s a tournament that showcases regional talent. There’s a lot of really good young players in Central America and I think Belize has some work to do to get to that level, but for us in Belize. Definitely, it’s a big opportunity to showcase what we have in Belize, to showcase the culture, to showcase our golf course, certainly. But more than that, to showcase the country and the spirit of Belizean and, and the friendship of Belizean to original partners coming to play in Belize.”
Mahler also shared plans to expand golf infrastructure across the country, including potential new courses in San Pedro and Placencia, with the goal of making golf more accessible and boosting tourism.
Anthony Mahler
“I’ve always advocated for more golf courses to be built across Belize. So the director of tourism and I go to a hotel investment conference in New York soon, and we will look for partners where we could build more golf resorts across the country. And I think, San Pedro is prime for one. In Placencia one is being built and this one here is important in the Westport. The more facilities we have for whatever discipline is. The more people we have engaged in more wholesome stuff then we have a more productive society.”
Representing Belize in the tournament is Samantha Neil, a standout golfer from San Ignacio who has only been playing for four years. Despite her nerves, she’s ready to compete.
Samantha Neil
Samantha Neil, Golfer
“These females that are coming in, they’ve been playing from a very, very young age, and like I said, we’re new to the sport. So I hope and pray that all our practice and all the coaching pays off.”
As one of the few women in a male-dominated sport, Neil is determined to earn her place on the course.
Samantha Neil
“Well, the males tend to not put us there, so we try our best to make a space for ourself, make a space for ourself, and have them respect us on the, on the course. So us as females, we don’t play with strength, we play more with our bodies, so , we have to mentally be prepared to play against them. So that helps us and will help us play against these females coming in.”
The tournament will use the nine-hole course twice to complete an 18-hole game format. Britney Gordon for News Five.
Copa Los Volcanes will kick off on June eighteenth and conclude on the twenty-second.
This May, News Five is on a mission to uncover something we don’t often talk about, the Bright Side of Grief. And what she’s discovering might just change the way we think about loss. Grief isn’t always about death. Sometimes, it starts with something less visible but just as painful, the loss of love, safety, or a sense of belonging. That’s the kind of grief Sergeant Fredrick Gordon knows all too well. Now the chaplain of the Belize Police Department, Sgt. Gordon’s early life was scarred by trauma and abuse. But his story doesn’t end in darkness. Instead, it’s a powerful testament to healing through faith, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving others. Tonight, Sabreena Daly brings us Gordon’s story — a reminder that even the hardest journeys can lead to the most meaningful destinations. On this week’s episode of The Bright Side, we see how pain can be transformed into purpose.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
Healing doesn’t always follow a straight line, and, for Sergeant Fredrick Gordon, it began long before he ever put on a uniform. Now the chaplain of the Belize Police Department, Sgt. Gordon is known for offering comfort and guidance to others. But behind his calm presence is a personal story shaped by grief, not the kind that comes from losing someone, but the kind that comes from never having what you needed in the first place. As a child, Gordon faced instability, abandonment, and a deep yearning to feel loved. That emotional weight followed him into adulthood, sometimes quietly, sometimes painfully. But through it all, it pushed him toward something greater: hope.
Fredrick Gordon
Sgt. Fredrick Gordon, Chaplain, Belize Police Department
“Being in an environment where you witness people being stabbed, robbed, shot at; individuals, constantly in and out of jail or on the news. And so I started to ask serious questions about life and that caused me to venture down a path that I would say would be dark. It was full of confusion and complexity. And not having other siblings that I could draw out concerns and so forth, I started to look for love in the wrong places and ended up hurting myself even more than I could have imagined.”
By the time he reached high school, Gordon had already lived through more than most people face in a lifetime. His grief wasn’t just emotional, it was shaped by real, raw experiences: loss, violence, and abuse. Among the most painful chapters was being molested, a trauma that left deep scars and reshaped his sense of self.
Sgt. Fredrick Gordon
“During that earlier stage of trauma, I experienced molestation, I experienced victimization. There was a whole lot of stuff that I was going through and when I reached high school, I started to have individuals from my class and within my school environment who were going through the same thing that I had to try to consolidate, even though I had experienced or was still going through some of the same things.”
Grief therapist Tina Cuellar says that early trauma, especially abuse, often leads to emotional patterns that follow survivors well into adulthood.
Tina Cuellar
Tina Cuellar, Mental Health & Certified Grief Therapist
“Usually when there’s some form of childhood trauma, they felt the loss of abandonment from the parent, or the adults around them didn’t protect them. And they will yearn for that for many years, they will look for that in relationships. But not only look for it, when they feel any sense of it being lost, that major fear of abandonment and loss will start surfacing.”
Sergeant Fredrick Gordon’s story didn’t end with pain, it began there. As he grew older, the weight of his grief didn’t break him. Instead, it became the foundation for something greater. Through faith and a calling to serve, Gordon found purpose, first as a police officer, then as a chaplain. Today, he stands beside those who are hurting, not just as a protector, but as someone who truly understands. The same grief that once left him searching for peace now fuels his mission to help others find it.
Sgt. Fredrick Gordon
“The level of anger and frustration and disappointment and grief in life’s challenges, that life threw out at me, I decided that I’m going to take that and transfer it into positive energy and everything that the enemy intended for evil, I’m going to work it out for my good.”
Tina Cuellar
“When you think of loss and acceptance and grief you want to at some point come to a place where you can honor what happened which means acknowledging it, accepting it but ask yourself what have I learned and how can I take that to help continue help myself and in some cases be able to help others for sure.”
For Gordon, healing didn’t come all at once, but it came with meaning. His faith gave him the words to understand his pain. His police uniform gave him a mission. Together, they became the tools that helped him turn sorrow into strength. Today, he stands at a powerful crossroads where healing meets service.
Sgt. Fredrick Gordon
“We’re taking care of everybody else’s needs, but who’s taking care of the officer’s needs? And so that human humanitarian mindset started to pop up back in my head. And as I was studying to be a clergyman at the time, so I decided to make requests to the then commissioner asking if I could be the chaplain for the department to bridge the gap to community transformation and to foster a spiritual alternative within the scope of the department to bring about change.”
Sgt. Fredrick Gordon
“The Bible says sorrow may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning. And the sorrow strengthens your testimony because if everything just happens good, then there is no lesson learned. But when you go through betrayal and heartache and pain and frustration, it puts you at a point where you are strengthened inwardly to affect people outwardly.”
From sorrow to strength, Sergeant Gordon’s life shows that healing isn’t the absence of pain, but the choice to rise with it and maybe you could even use it to lift others along the way. Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.
His journey is a powerful reminder that grief can take many forms and that healing is possible, even when the wounds run deep. In serving others, Sgt. Gordon found a path to mend his own heart. This is more than a story of survival. It’s a story of transformation.
A post-mortem examination has confirmed that 32-year-old Selvin Sealy Jr. died from restraint asphyxia, with the manner of death ruled as homicide, intensifying concerns surrounding his death in police custody earlier this week.
The findings have fuelled calls for accountability, with Sealy’s grieving family demanding answers.
Sealy, a tour guide from the DFC area of San Pedro, died shortly after being detained by police on Monday morning, May 12. According to police, Sealy was acting erratically near Villa Abrazos, allegedly climbing a tree after claiming he was being chased by a dog. Officers say they subdued him after he refused to come down and later realised he was unresponsive while in custody. He was taken to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where he was pronounced dead.
Sealy’s father, heartbroken by the loss, is calling for transparency. “I’m heartbroken about my son, and I don’t wish this on anyone,” he said. “Even right now, I get emotional.” He added, “I just want justice. I’m not pointing fingers, but my son died.”
The family says they were told video footage exists and are urging police to release it as part of a full investigation.
