After 5 weeks of vacillation and executive indecision, a new CEO for the Ministry of Home Affairs was finally announced today from the Prime Minister's office. And it's the same name we have been floating since last week: Admiral Elton Bennett - who was the commander of the Coast Guard up to yesterday - is, tonight, the new CEO in the Ministry of home Affairs.
Bennett - who started his military career as a BDF soldier -and then joined the Coast Guard at its inception over 20 years ago - had commanded it for 6 years.
But, as of today he's over at Home Affairs and we spoke to him via Zoom about the transition.
Admiral Elton Bennett, CEO - Home Affairs
"I'm excited to be in this new role, in this new service to my country. It's certainly a honor and a privilege to serve the government and people in this capacity. So I'm very excited about the new assignment."
Jules Vasquez
"Is this something that you have ever entertained as a possibility?"
Admiral Elton Bennett, CEO - Home Affairs
"Not necessarily. Not specifically. But I had reached the pinnacle of my career as a military officer. As you are aware, I commanded the Middle Belize Coast Guard for six years. And ten years prior to that, I was the vice commandant. So I was on the top of my military career."
"So to answer the question, if I had expected this? As a public office or someone who serves the country, whatever assignment comes my way, I would be prepared to do so. And that's exactly what transpired here, was I did not, see this coming a was a not anticipating this, but I know that, I was prepared to do this work."
"I bring to the table a lot of experience in terms of strategy and policy. I have been policing the seas for over 20 years. And I've been working alongside the police department alongside Commissioners of Police for many years. I've been a part of the national security apparatus at the National Security Council for many years."
"So, this is not a new assignment. So to be working in this capacity. It's certainly, nothing new for myself."
