to grasp the significance of a life and work the works of Clive Benjamin and use that as a template for our own conduct, professionally and personally in our lives," said Minister of National Security, Hon. Dwyer Astaphan at a news conference on Monday.
"His death must not go in vain. He died in the execution of his duty," said Minister Astaphan, who gave the assurance that the widow and family of Sargeant Benjamin will be provided all the necessary support.
Minister Astaphan called upon the members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force to be strong and assertive and to be careful.
He said there are four bullet-proof vests at the Frigate Bay Out-Post, where Sgt. Benjamin was assigned. Three officers are on duty at any one time during the shift system.
"It really should be second nature, if there aren't enough vests for every one of the 400 plus officers in the force to carry around all the time, and certainly that is an ideal to which we aspire. Certainly when they are called into action, for which reflexively comes to their mind that they should put on the bullet-proof vests," said Minister Astaphan.
He said it was very important for the physical training and the technical training to be imbedded in the daily lives of police officers as it is a combination of physical and technical preparedness that better position them individually and collectively to deal with situations.
Minister Astaphan used the occasion to commend Constable Keith Pemberton who was slightly injured in the fracas. Police sources say that during the fracas, Langley, got hold of Pemberton's gun and fired at Sgt. Benjamin and civilian Terry Isaac, who went to the assistance of the officers. Benjamin was hit and died during surgery at the Joseph N. France General Hospital.
~~Adz:Right~~Isaac is nursing a shot gun wound to the hip. Langley also died from gunshot wounds.
"I wish him a speedy recovery. We believe that he will be emotionally scared from the experience and it is important for us "
not only the government and his police colleagues, - but the society to rally around these officers and show our appreciation. We really need to direct positive energies to our security force personnel," said Minister Astaphan.
"Benjie's loss is our loss and it is just not the physical death of a man, but it could be the civilisational death of a people all we are going to do is hard, cold, critical and callous, rather than be empathetic, sympathetic and realising that we are our brother's keeper. I am calling on the community to make the lives and work of our police officers and other security people more bearable and more pleasant. Support them because we want them to support and protect us.
