Women Lead the Way at Belize Coast Guard

Women are increasingly shaping the future of the Belize Coast Guard, with Alma Pinelo breaking new ground as the first female Acting Vice Commandant. Pinelo, who has served for over a decade, is one of two female lieutenant commanders and continues to advocate for female participation in the force.

Although women make up only 11% of the Coast Guard’s 526 active-duty members, they serve in all areas, from logistics to operational duties. Pinelo says that mentorship and support from male leaders can increase female representation, which is important. “Dealing with the whole minority aspect of women in the military has always been something that I have been dealing with my entire career. Knowing how to advocate for those that can’t from the onset. And so I said I had to learn how to be an advocate really early and  realize that, okay, you’re shy, you gotta get over that because somebody else needs you.”

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, praised the women in the force, saying that there are no restrictions on where women can serve. “We have women employed in every aspect of the Belize Coast Guard. From logistics to operational duty. We have women driving trucks, driving vessels and employed across the Coast Guard. There are no restrictions whatsoever on where a woman can serve in Belize’s Coast Guard.”

Pinelo also organises the annual Wonder Women competition, empowering women across security forces to showcase their strength and resilience. Her leadership aims to break the “glass ceiling” and create a future where women in leadership roles are the norm, not the exception.

As Belize’s first female Acting Vice Commandant, Pinelo continues to inspire future generations of women to take on leadership roles, proving that the Coast Guard is a place where women can thrive and lead.