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MP Franklin Meyers wears a bulletproof vest, surrounded by representatives of Maduro and Sons and the two Chief Inspectors. Photo contributed
St. Maarten – S.E.L. Maduro and Sons donated ten bulletproof vests to Chief Inspectors Rudolf Bloeiman and Ricardo Henson. The vests are for members of the bike patrol who are considered the ambassadors of St. Maarten, the police wrote in a press release.
“The safety of our officers is very important to us as a business and members of the community. We deemed it necessary to step up to the plate and contribute to their well-being in the line of duty. After all, if we expect them to protect us, as residents, then we need to protect and support them,†said Raquel Coupland-Wathey, General Manager of S.E.L. Maduro and Sons.
The bike patrol officers are a fixture on the streets of Philipsburg. Their presence goes a very long way in creating a feeling of safety and security to residents, cruise lines and their passengers and stay-over visitors, Coupland-Wathey said.
Member of Parliament (MP) and former Tourism Minister Franklin Meyers, whose brainchild it was to make the contribution of vests was on hand for the presentation. He is most concerned about the security of the country and the ensuing damage crime can cause on the tourism product.
“I HOPE these vests will help the officers who will don them feel a bit more secured as they keep us and our streets safe. It is unfortunate that a tragic incident and the loss of a valuable life brought us here, but today we can say we are making a difference. I commend the Police Force on their continued tireless efforts and dedication,†Meyers said. Meyers has also personally pledged two All-Terrain Vehicles (Quads) to the Police Department.
The donation follows the tragic death of Police Sergeant Gamali Benjamin who was shot down by an armed robber on August 5 on Front Street.
