The Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Associations (CFPWA) is extremely disappointed with the move of the Bahamas Government to proceed with the removal of the dependents of Police Officers from insurance coverage.
The CFPWA has noted the move by the Bahamas Government to remove the dependents of Police Officers from the Police insurance coverage, arguing about the cost of such benefits and that the persons being covered are not employed by the Services. We consider this statement to be insensitive and disrespectful to the men and women who have given selflessly to the protection and safety of their Country. We want to remind the Government that the families of our law enforcers give selflessly every day, not knowing if their spouse or parents will return home.
We would like to draw the Government’s attention to the compensation and remuneration of Police Officers. Are Police being paid enough to get proper insurance for their families? Why should a greater level of stress be added to the Police, who are already having a hard time coping with the poor working conditions, long hours of work, and having to worry about where the money will come from to seek medical attention if their dependents fall ill?
Mr. Prime Minister, Are you comfortable knowing that the Police Officer who is performing Close Protection duties is psychologically nowhere near work because his/her child(ren) or spouse is home sick and they cannot afford medical care?
The Police dependents are an extension of the Police, as it is our family who suffers the most, and it is the family of Police Officers who loses in order to protect the country.
The CFPWA is also using this medium to urge the Prime Minister and his Government to reconsider and reinstate the Police Officers dependent benefits. We want to use the opportunity to also commend the Government on the addition of the much-needed dental and optical plan to the Police Insurance Coverage.
