THE HAGUE--Dutch National Police Chief Gerard Bouman said on Monday that he was “saddened and shocked” by the news of the death of St. Maarten Police Officer Gamali “Benji” Benjamin.
“Our feelings go out to the family, his loved ones and his colleagues of the St. Maarten Police Force,” stated Bouman in a press release. The Dutch National Police Force has extended its condolences on behalf its entire organisation to the management of the St. Maarten Police Force.
“Through the Kingdom Detective Team RST we are supporting the investigation to find the culprits of this armed robbery and the suspect who fired the lethal shots. Naturally, the St. Maarten Police Force can call on us if they need further assistance to catch the culprits of this cowardly deed,” said Bouman.
Bouman met Benjamin during his recent working visit to St. Maarten and the local Police Force. Bouman attended what he referred to as an “impressive” demonstration of the Bike Patrol Team of which Benjamin was a member.
The Bike Patrol Team received much of its training in the past at the former regional police force South-Holland South. Bouman lauded the work of the Bike Patrol, which he said was “exceptionally effective” because of its quick response to situations in Front Street.
“Because of the high traffic density and the small streets of Philipsburg, the members of the Bike Patrol often arrive much faster than the regular police patrol cars. Last Wednesday, Benjamin was also quicker at the scene than the patrol cars. He was shot by armed robbers when he tried to arrest them,” said Bouman.
In the press release, the Dutch Police Chief mentioned the events of the heist at a jewellery store, the injuries that Benjamin suffered, the victim’s trip by air ambulance to the Dominican Republic where the bullet was removed from his skull and his death at the St. Maarten Medical Centre (SMMC) last Saturday.
“The grief among the colleagues of the St. Maarten Police Force is great. The colleagues of our own force, especially those who know St. Maarten and the colleagues there are deeply affected by this horrendous news,” said Bouman.
The Police Chief referred to Benjamin as a “forceful servant and a beautiful person.” “He stepped forward where others took a step back and had to repay that courage with his life.”
Following his July 23, visit to St. Maarten, Bouman announced in an internal memo to police officers that the St. Maarten Police Force would soon be temporarily reinforced by two teams of 25 full-time officers from the Netherlands, mainly detectives.
