To: The Honourable Minister of Justice, Sint Maarten
Cc: Chief of Police; Head of Detectives; Head of Forensic Services; Public Prosecutor’s Office; Police Oversight Bodies
Honourable Minister and Esteemed Officials,
I write on behalf of concerned citizens of Sint Maarten regarding the fatal police shooting of Mr. Rudy Benjamin in the St. Peters area. This incident has caused profound grief and fear within the community and has raised serious questions about the lawfulness, proportionality, and accountability of police actions.
As citizens, we respectfully demand a full, transparent, and independent investigation into this incident. The public deserves clear answers to the following:
1. The exact timeline and locations of the incident, including discrepancies reported by witnesses.
2. The legal basis for the use of lethal force, including whether de-escalation was attempted and whether warning shots or non-lethal measures were considered.
3. The chain of command and authorization during the operation.
4. The immediate securing of the scene, preservation of evidence, and integrity of forensic procedures.
5. The collection and disclosure of all available recordings (CCTV, private cameras, dispatch logs, radio communications).
6. The suspension of involved officers from operational duty pending the outcome of the investigation, in line with best practices for impartiality.
We remind the authorities of Sint Maarten’s obligations under the rule of law and international human rights standards, including:
- The right to life (ECHR Article 2 within the Kingdom framework);
- The duty to conduct an effective, independent investigation into any death involving state agents;
- The UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials (necessity, proportionality, accountability).
Given longstanding public concerns about corruption and lack of transparency, we request:
- An independent investigative body external to the Sint Maarten Police Force;
- Public communication of key findings within a reasonable timeframe;
- Protection for witnesses;
- Accountability measures where unlawful conduct is established.
This request is made not to undermine law enforcement, but to uphold justice, restore public trust, and protect the rights and safety of all citizens. The family of Mr. Benjamin, his children, and the community of St. Peters deserve truth and accountability.
We respectfully request written confirmation of the steps being taken and the investigative framework being applied in this matter.
Sincerely,
Monica Jessica Morris
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
16 February 2026
