By Zoila Palma: Alma Pinelo has made history with her official ascension to Vice Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, becoming the first woman to hold the post.
Her promotion marks a major milestone for the organization and for women in Belize’s national security sector, reflecting years of service, leadership, and trailblazing achievement.
Born in Belize City and raised in San Pedro, Pinelo credits her upbringing for shaping her connection to the sea, describing her childhood there as “like no other.”
That passion led her to study Natural Sciences at St. John’s Junior College. In 2008, while still a student, she was selected as a cadet after sitting the officer selection board for the Belize Defence Force, setting her on a path toward a distinguished military career.
Pinelo later attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, graduating in 2013, and returned to Belize as a Lieutenant (junior grade), at the time the only female officer in the Belize Coast Guard.
Her career has included key postings such as Coast Guard Adjutant, Liaison at the Ministry of National Security, Sector Commander for Sector Central, and Fleet Commander.
She also broke barriers internationally by becoming the first woman to complete the “Especialidad de Mando Naval” course at Mexico’s Centro de Estudios Superiores Navales, a requirement for further promotion.
Reflecting on her journey, Pinelo said she never imagined the path she would take, noting that the opportunity “landed on her lap,” but ultimately transformed her life.
Among her most meaningful accomplishments, Pinelo helped to establish the “Women, Peace, and Security” (WPS) group within the Government, an interagency initiative that has advanced a national agenda aimed at increasing the role of women in Belize’s security institutions.
The post Alma Pinelo makes history as first female Vice Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Alma Pinelo has made history with her official ascension to Vice Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, becoming the first woman to hold the post. Her promotion marks a major milestone for the organization and for women in Belize’s national security sector, reflecting years of service, leadership, and trailblazing achievement. Born in
The post Alma Pinelo makes history as first female Vice Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
