New CEO of Home Affairs Elton Bennett Says “Working In This Field to Me Would Be Just Second Nature”

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, former Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, has officially taken up his new role as Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise. The appointment was confirmed by the Office of the Prime Minister and signed by Deputy Governor-General Stuart Leslie under section 107 of the Constitution.

Bennett, who has served in national security for over three decades, says he is ready to “hit the ground running.” In an interview with News Five, he confirmed that he met with Prime Minister John Briceño and Minister of Home Affairs Oscar Mira, and was asked to begin immediately. “There’s a lot that needs to be done in terms of administration, but also a lot that has to do with strategy and policy alignment,” Bennett said.

He explained that moving from field work to office leadership is not a big change for him. “I’ve been very well prepared for this line of work. Eventhough I was operationally employed, in the Belize Coast, working in this field to me would be just second nature” Bennett said. He added that his experience has long included policy and high-level planning.

On tackling crime, Bennett said, “I’m meeting with the Commissioner of Police this afternoon to look at the policing strategies that are in place”. He plans to strengthen current programs and introduce new ones that “influence change and will be able to inspire confidence across the country.”

Bennett also addressed public concern over the Budna investigation. “Indeed it is the most present issue that we will have to face as a ministry,” he said. “ I do understand that the media and the public at large deserves information and you deserve accountability from the ministry and from the police department,” he added.