Latest update November 29th, 2024 1:00 AM
Govt. reviews increased benefits for cops
…as $1M payment approved for family of policeman killed in Houston
Government is studying a number of measures that could see increase benefits for police and
Antonio Dawson: $1M for slain cop’s family.
soldiers killed in the line of duty.
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, made the announcement yesterday, after disclosing that Government has approved $1M in payments for the children and immediate family of 26-year-old Antonio Dawson, a policeman who was stabbed to death on September 18th last at Houston, East Bank Demerara. His attacker killed himself during the incident.
Dawson is survived by two children, Crystol and Nikel, ages 5 and 2, respectively, their mother Amanda Cosbert, and parents, Neville and Yvonne Dawson.
The children will be receiving $800,000 with the parents being given $200,000.
According to Harmon, a $20,000 monthly payment will be made to the children until the $800,000 is liquidated. The parents will be paid the full sum of $100,000 each.
According to Minister Harmon, the issue of benefits to fallen soldiers and cops was discussed on Tuesday, during the weekly Cabinet of Ministers’ meeting. It was recognized that measures are needed to take care of the families of policemen and soldiers killed on duty.
Harmon noted, the payment was as a result of a decision taken by Government since 2002 and has continued over the years.
Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, who has responsibilities for the police force, has been tasked with reviewing the situation in light of the fact, that the National Insurance Scheme and the Dependents Pension Fund are not enough to cover families and loved ones.
Government is mulling measures that will see increased benefits for families of fallen cops and soldiers.
Indeed, there have been growing calls for increased benefits, insurance and other measures that will cushion the impact from the loss of a breadwinner.
More than 60 cops were killed since the beginning of the 20th Century, according to the police force.
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