Rear Admiral Bennett Takes the Helm at Home Affairs

The Ministry of Home Affairs has a new captain at the helm, but what does that mean for a department facing mounting administrative challenges? After a month without a chief executive officer, Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, former head of the Belize Coast Guard, has stepped into the role of CEO. His appointment comes at a time when the ministry is under pressure to streamline operations and align policies. Bennett says he’s “hitting the ground running,” even before finalizing his contract, signaling urgency and commitment. But can a military leader successfully navigate the complexities of civilian governance? And what does this rapid transition reveal about the state of leadership planning within the ministry? These are questions worth asking as Bennett begins his tenure with promises of strategy, administration, and policy alignment at the forefront.

 

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, C.E.O. Ministry of Home Affairs

“So I met with the Prime Minister in interview yesterday. We both agreed that I should take up the position immediately. I met with the Minister of Home Affairs yesterday as well, and acting CEO  Francis Usher, who was holding over this office. I start 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. So I take up the job immediately.  I have not yet worked out the detail with contracts and meeting with the Cabinet Secretary. I believe that will be done today. But as far as my wishes, it is to jump into this office and commence work immediately, and I’ve been given the green light to do so. So I have reported at the Ministry of Home Affairs and so there is a CEO now for the Home Affairs Ministry, and I’m happy to take on that role. And as I mentioned, I’ve started to work immediately.  I met with the minister yesterday and he has given me a list of priorities that I should be focusing on. We’ve had some discussions during the interview process that led to the appointment of myself as CEO. And so, I’ve been given clear directions already in terms of what are those priority actions that are required to administrate the ministry. So, we are working on that as we speak. We hit the ground running.”