In a significant military leadership transition, Prime Minister John Briceño has selected Captain Gregory Soberanis as the incoming Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard. While the formal appointment will be officially declared in January 2025, Captain Soberanis has already assumed responsibilities as Acting Commandant. This change follows Rear Admiral Elton Bennett’s move to become Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise.
Captain Soberanis expressed profound humility and honor at his selection, emphasizing his extensive preparation through the Coast Guard’s strategic development framework. “I am humbled and grateful, appreciative, really, that I have been given the opportunity to train and prepare for this position, for this moment, and for this time,” stated Soberanis.
With service dating back to 2007, Captain Soberanis brings nearly two decades of operational experience to his new role. He highlighted the organization’s ongoing implementation of its 2020-2030 strategic plan, noting that the Coast Guard is currently conducting a mid-term review of this comprehensive roadmap. The incoming Commandant emphasized continuity in executing the established strategic vision focused on maritime security and national defense operations.
This leadership transition occurs amid broader governmental changes, including recent cabinet reshuffles that have prompted questions about administrative stability within the Belizean government.