Special Team of Doctors from the Dominican Republic escorted wounded officer out of St. Maarten --- Landed Safely in the Dominican Republic.
PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday afternoon a special team of doctors and other medical personnel arrived on St. Maarten from the Dominican Republic to evaluate the medical condition of Officer Gamali Benjamin. After the evaluation the team of specialists decided to transport the wounded officer to Prinicess Juliana International Airport by ambulance. Prior to the severely injured cop leaving the island for medical assistance several of his colleagues from KPSM visited him at the St. Maarten Medical Center. Around 5:30pm the officer left the SMMC as the ambulance pulled off several of his colleagues walked out behind the team of doctors that came to escort him to the Dominican Republic.. Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte accompanied the crew to the Princess Juliana International Airport as his subordinate officer was taken off island. While at PJIAE De Witte told SMN News that the doctors are treating the evacuation with extreme care due to the medical condition of the wounded officer. De Witte said at 6:15pm the air ambulance took off from the Princess Juliana International Airport bound for the Dominican Republic with the injured officer on board.
Businessman Michael Ferrier who has been in touch with officer Benjamin father said in a short statement Thursday night that Mr. Gilbert Benjamin contacted him Thursday night and asked that he inform the people of St. Maarten that the the Air Ambulance trip went exceptionally well and Officer Benjamin made it to the trauma center in Dominican Republic safely. An extensive evaluation of his condition began the moment the wounded officer arrived there. Mr. Benjamin also asked to convey his and his family's enormous gratitude for the unbelievable outpouring of love and support they have received and continue to receive from everyone. Lastly he asks for continued prayers for his son's recovery.
Officer Gamali Benjamin made it through Wednesday night even though he is still in a comatose state. However, doctors at the St. Maarten Medical Center managed to stabilize the wounded bike patrol who was shot several times on Wednesday when he marched in on an armed robbery at Ore Diamante Jewelry Store on Front Street. Officer Benjamin who is in critical condition will be flown out to the Dominican Republic sometime on Thursday where he will receive further medical treatment. One of the bullets hit Officer Benjamin in the neck area which ended up in his brain. On Wednesday doctors worked tirelessly to stop the heavy bleeding in order to stabilize the wounded cop.
SMN News learnt that the officer went down a bit Thursday morning but doctors at the St. Maarten Medical Center managed to get him back in stable condition in order for him to take the flight.
Up to midday on Thursday doctors at the St. Maarten Medical Center were working round the clock to stabilize the critically injured officer to take him to the Princess Juliana International Airport to board an air ambulance which will transport him to the Dominican Republic for further treatment and for doctors there to remove the bullet that is lodged in his brain. As soon as Officer Benjamin is transported overseas SMN News will be updating this news item.
JOINT PRESS RELEASE FROM THE PUNBLIC PROSECUTORS OFFICE and KPSM --- Update on the condition of injured officer.
On Thursday morning August 6th the Public Prosecutors Office and Management of KPSM have received information from the doctors at the Sint Maarten Medical Center involving the treatment of shooting victim officer Gamali Benjamin. He had gotten through the night fairly well and his situation stabilized somewhat.
The doctors are presently evaluating his condition to determine when would be the appropriate moment to have him flown to the Dominican Republic for further treatment. When more information regarding the victim’s condition becomes available this will be shared with the public in a subsequent press release.
