Pledges Better – Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin has pledged improved insurance coverage for police officers injured in the line of duty.
Pledges Better Insurance Cover
Benjamin made the commitment while addressing graduates at the Police Academy’s graduation ceremony on Thursday July 16th, after the commandant of Sir Wright George Police Academy appealed for a modern, fully-equipped training facility to replace the current one.
Superintendent Rodney Ellis made the request while giving the Commandant’s Report, saying security must receive the same investment as other national priorities.
Ellis said the state of the current facility was visible for all to see and acknowledged efforts already made towards improving it.
“Security, however, must continue to receive equal investment. We have witnessed construction of modern police stations in St John’s, Bolans, and All Saints. These developments are commendable but now we need a modern police academy; not simply a facility for recruit training but a centre for continuous professional development throughout an officer’s career.
“If you glance behind of you today, you will see the current condition of our academy facility. While I acknowledge and sincerely appreciate the effort of the honourable attorney general in helping us move forward, much more remains to be done,” Ellis said.
Ellis spoke about the increasingly sophisticated nature of crime, saying continuous training was essential for officers to keep pace.
He appealed directly to the relevant stakeholders to support construction of the new facility.
“Criminals continue to become more sophisticated, utilising advanced technology and increasingly complex methods. Consequently, law enforcement must remain one step ahead through continuous education, specialised training, and professional development.
“I therefore respectfully appeal to the honourable prime minister, the honourable attorney general and all relevant stakeholders to support the construction of a modern, fully equipped police academy on this very site,” the superintendent said.
Benjamin in making the commitment described it as part of continued government investment in the force.
“And, importantly, we will continue to improve your work environment. We will continue to make certain that police officers have the necessary insurance so when they’re injured in the line of duty they will be compensated adequately. And those persons who, unfortunately, may have some difficulties in their lives, we’ll make sure that there are policies in place to take care of your children,” Benjamin said.
The Attorney General, who addressed the graduates on behalf of the Prime Minister, said the pledge formed part of a wider government commitment to the police force, including continued professional investment and the construction of a new police complex at the academy. He hinted that work on the new facility is likely to commence next year.
The pledge also comes amid ongoing concerns raised by the Police Welfare Association over outstanding medical insurance coverage after a senior police officer was injured during a traffic accident. Former Association Chairperson Corporal Marilyn Harris has said officers are still waiting on a full medical insurance package promised more than a year ago, telling Observer Radio the push for full coverage stretches back years, with repeated proposals to government yielding no results.
