Bennett Letter Shows Coast Guard Exit Decided Days Before Public Announcement

While the official announcement of Rear Admiral Elton Bennett’s appointment was made today, new information suggests that the transition had been settled earlier this month.

A letter dated December 10, addressed to members of the Belize Coast Guard, was received by our newsroom. In that correspondence, Rear Admiral Bennett formally informed officers and enlisted personnel that his service as Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard had come to an end, indicating that he had been “called to another duty.”  The timing of the letter has raised questions, as the Office of the Prime Minister announced Bennett’s new appointment today, treating the matter with a high level of confidentiality. The December 10 letter, however, indicates that the decision had already been made and communicated internally within the Coast Guard days earlier.  CEO Bennett explained that he had been called upon shortly after Minister Oscar Mira had taken the ministry.

Elton Bennett, CEO, Ministry of Home Affairs: “From the time there was a reshuffle and a new minister came over to Home Affairs. I believe that there were discussions at the political directorate to appoint a new CEO. So I cannot give any information as it relates to what that process looks like. I know that I was called a little while ago to discuss the possibility of taking the assignment and as a good sailor I accessed accepted.”

In the message to Coast Guard personnel, Bennett reflected on two decades of service, describing his tenure as both challenging and fulfilling. He highlighted the growth of the Coast Guard from its early years to its current role as a key pillar of national security, spanning operations from the Hondo to the Sarstoon, across the atolls and inner reef. He also urged officers to support the incoming Commandant and to continue upholding the institution’s core values of courage, commitment, respect, and integrity.  Further clarification is expected from the Office of the Prime Minister and relevant authorities as the leadership transition continues within the Belize Coast Guard./