Newly Appointed Home Affairs CEO Bennet Enters Belize City’s Gang Zones

The newly appointed CEO of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, went straight to the frontlines of Belize City’s gang zones on Thursday. He joined Minister Oscar Mira and Police Commissioner Dr Richard Rosado to tour Majestic Alley, George Street, and Banak Street. These are some of the city’s most volatile areas.

Bennett told News 5 today that the visit was essential to understand the challenges. “We were able to walk narrow alleys. We were able to meet people. We were able to go inside houses. The minister was able to interact with those prominent community leaders who are trying to make a change in Belize City,” he said.

CEO Bennett said the team also assessed the Leadership Intervention Unit (LIU), which mentors at-risk youth and offers socio-economic opportunities to help them escape gang life.

He warned that policing alone is not enough. “It requires broader support from the community. We require a larger input from society to fund the programme and ensure buy-in from the communities,” he said.