Eleanor Davis Bennett

Eleanor Bennett is a dedicated and accomplished professional who has spent over three decades advancing mental health and nursing in Belize. Her career with the Ministry of Health began as a Registered Nurse at Belize City Hospital in 1988 after which she transitioned in 1994 to the role of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the Central Health Region. In this role, she coordinated the regional mental health services, developed treatment plans, and implemented mental health promotional activities. Her leadership skills were further demonstrated when she became the Head of the National Mental Health Program and Nursing Administrator for Mental Health in 2012.
During this period, Eleanor led the development of national mental health policies, suicide prevention plans, and training programs, while also managing the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Operational Plan. She was instrumental in strengthening the community mental health initiative and led the mainstreaming of mental health into the health services, developed and supervised training programs for healthcare providers and community workers which equipped them with the skills needed to address mental health issues at the community level. She can also be credited for initiation an awards and recognition program for the mental health staff she supervised.
Since 2020, she has served as the Registrar for the Nurses and Midwives Council of Belize, where she oversees the regulation of nursing education and practice, ensures compliance with national laws, and manages the organization’s resources. Eleanor holds a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Policy and Services from Universidade Nova de Lisboa, and nursing certifications from the Bliss School of Nursing. She has contributed to global discussions on mental health through her publications and presentations. Her extensive skills in mental health plan development, clinical auditing, and mental health promotion have established her as a respected leader in the field in Belize and the wider Caribbean region and her lifelong commitment to public service reflects her dedication to improving the lives of others.

Message about life-long public service:
After over thirty-five years in public service, my journey has been one of deep commitment, growth, and unforgettable experiences. Every day has been an opportunity to make a difference, whether in small acts of service or through significant contributions to policies and programs that have shaped our community. I've been privileged to work alongside dedicated professionals, witness the impact of our collective efforts, and grow both personally and professionally. The memories of challenges overcome, lives touched, and the bonds formed with colleagues will remain with me as the most rewarding aspects of this incredible journey.