Police officers in Antigua and Barbuda continue to wait for a full medical insurance package that was promised to them more than a year ago, according to Antigua Observer. The issue has resurfaced following questions about the adequacy of coverage in the case of Senior Sergeant Jeffery Benjamin.

Former Police Welfare Association (PWA) Chairperson, Corporal Marilyn Harris, told Observer Radio that the push for comprehensive medical coverage stretches back years, with repeated proposals to the government producing no results.

"Nothing has been done. When I took office in 2019, while serving on the police association executive, we brought it to the government's attention. Again, by way of a proposal, promises were made, but nothing happened. Then again, in 2019, it was done, nothing happened, including the proposal for full medical insurance," Harris said.

Harris pointed specifically to a public assurance made by Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin, who indicated that the insurance would be implemented shortly after the PWA executive lobbied for it. That commitment, she said, has yet to be fulfilled.

"I don't know if you can recall when the Honourable Sir Steadroy Benjamin mentioned that my team, my executives, would have lobbied for the full medical insurance. As a result, it would be implemented shortly. That was over a year ago, but nothing happened," she said.

Harris argued that proper insurance coverage would eliminate the bureaucratic delays that injured officers currently face when trying to access support. She questioned why the existing major medical policy at State Insurance was not activated promptly in the case of Senior Sergeant Benjamin.

"If there was proper coverage for all police officers, as soon as there was an incident where a police officer is hurt or anything of that sort, then we're able to activate the insurance as soon as possible," Harris said.

She added that the policy should have been activated almost immediately in Senior Sergeant Benjamin's case and said she remains uncertain about what caused the delay. Harris expressed hope that the government will finally deliver on the long-standing promise of full medical insurance for the force.

In closing, Harris urged both the public and her colleagues to recognise the importance of the PWA's continued advocacy efforts.

"Remember that when the PWA and its executive negotiate, the entire force benefits," she said.