Former minister in the Ministry of National Security Subhas Panday is advising all women who have children for officers in the protective services to get paternity tests done immediately, so they can access part of a proposed million dollar death benefit if that officer is killed in the line of duty.
Panday, an attorney, said while it is common knowledge that members of the protective services have children in and out of marriage, the legitimacy or illegitimacy of the child should not matter once that child was dependent on the fallen officer.
Panday was speaking at a news conference at his San Fernando office following a commitment from Prime Minister Keith Rowley to honour a promise made by the former People’s Partnership administration for the State to pay $1 million compensation to the families of officers killed in the line of duty.
The announcement followed the death of PC Anson Benjamin who was shot to death while responding to a robbery at a supermarket at St Clements, San Fernando, on April 4.
Benjamin, who was buried last Tuesday, was the father of five children from two different relationships.
Speaking at a press conference held at his office, on Saturday, Panday said the State must ensure that the compensation is used for the benefit and welfare of all children.
He suggested that a means test be done and that the money be disbursed on a needs basis and managed preferably by the Children’s Authority or any other reputable agency.
He also suggested that children of fallen officers be given special preference in terms of bursaries. For those who died without owning a home, he recommended State-subsidised housing though the Housing Development Corporation.
“If people know you have a million dollars to collect, they could raise their rents and then the money will finish in two or three years. We have to protect these families,” Panday said.
He said where deaths occur, the relevant government ministry should investigate who are the offspring and include them as family members.
“As you know many officers from the protective services have children in and outside of marriage. All of these children deserve equal protection,” Panday said.
He said there should be no distinction between “legitimate and illegitimate” children and the rules of inheritance and distribution should not apply in the disbursement of the compensation. He advised where paternity is being questioned, women should take immediate steps to have DNA testing done so their children could be included in any payout.