Nearly 100 police officers staged a sit-in at Police Headquarters on American Road Thursday morning, demanding that Senior Sergeant Jeffery Benjamin be flown overseas for urgent specialist medical treatment following a serious traffic accident. According to Antigua.news, the unprecedented show of solidarity reflects deepening frustration within the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda over what officers describe as inadequate medical support for colleagues injured in the line of duty.
Benjamin suffered severe injuries to his leg after being struck by a truck on Valley Road. Fellow officers fear the veteran policeman could lose the limb if he does not receive advanced medical care abroad. Police have not released further details about the circumstances of the incident, and investigations remain ongoing.
Speaking on behalf of the demonstrating officers, George Wehner drew a pointed comparison between Benjamin's situation and that of former Member of Parliament Michael Browne, who was transported overseas by air ambulance after experiencing chest pains. Wehner argued that police officers, who routinely risk their lives to protect the public, deserve the same standard of urgent medical attention when seriously injured.
The officers made clear that their concerns extend beyond Benjamin's individual case, describing it as symptomatic of a broader issue surrounding the welfare and treatment of members of the force.
The Police Administration has since wished Senior Sergeant Benjamin a speedy recovery and appealed to members of the public to offer any assistance they can to support him and his family during this difficult time.
The protest remained peaceful throughout, with officers calling on government officials to act swiftly to secure the specialist care they believe Benjamin urgently requires.
The demonstration comes at a notable moment for the force. Police officers are playing an increasingly critical role in national security preparations ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026, during which Antigua and Barbuda is expected to host regional and international dignitaries.
