Arrangements for the medical evacuation of injured Senior Sergeant Jeffery Benjamin are now in place, with only confirmation of an aircraft remaining before the process can proceed, according to Antigua Observer.
Police Welfare Association (PWA) Chairman Virlica Chatham confirmed that Benjamin will be transported to Southern Medical Services in Trinidad and Tobago, where he is scheduled to receive specialized treatment following a severe traffic accident.
"We are just awaiting the itinerary," Chatham said. "Everything is in place, just awaiting the aircraft."
Chatham noted that officers had gathered outside police headquarters on American Road earlier in the week to show support for Benjamin. She said the PWA had pushed authorities to fast-track the evacuation after encountering initial delays.
The PWA chairman said the association is now satisfied that all required documentation, authorisation, and confirmation have been secured on Benjamin's behalf.
"We are satisfied that we did everything in our power to get all the documentation, the authorisation, the confirmation, and everything in place," Chatham said. "It is just the officer's response. At the end of the day, this can happen to anyone."
Chatham said the PWA engaged directly with senior leaders to stress the urgency of the situation. "We spoke to leaders, telling them this is what we wanna get done in a short time," she said.
The update follows earlier criticism from Chatham, who had accused authorities of stalling Benjamin's treatment due to unclear insurance coverage information for police officers. She had previously stated that the treating institution declined to proceed without a full itemised quotation.
Benjamin has served in the police force for nearly 30 years. Inspector Findlay described him as a dedicated officer who "goes beyond the call of duty."
