Tackling announces detention sector rollout, prison construction start, public safety actions

GREAT BAY--Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling announced a new justice initiative that will begin rolling out next week. The initiative strengthens the detention sector and follows months of planning, collaboration, and commitments to reform. Full details will be released at the official launch next week.

Ahead of the launch, representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, will meet local partners to advance objectives in rehabilitation, safety, and sustainability within the justice system. In parallel, the United Nations Office for Project Services, UNOPS, is preparing to officially start construction of the new prison facility. More information on construction activities will follow in the coming days.

The Minister also outlined current police actions to address scooter related risks. The Police Force of St. Maarten, KPSM, is executing its strategic plan with increased night controls at locations frequented by scooter riders. These operations also target illegal firearm and drug activity. Operational and security details will not be shared publicly. A similar initiative produced positive results in the past. KPSM will execute a similar version of this strategy going forward to strengthen public safety and maintain order.

Key clarifications and updates from the Q&A

• 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: Phase one will raise capacity from 80 to 120 cells by the first quarter of 2027. Phase two, planned for 2028, will bring total capacity to 196. The target of 196 cells reflects regional trends and what the country can sustain within the national budget. Older reports suggested about 300 cells, which the government cannot fund responsibly.

• 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Capacity constraints are longstanding, dating back to the loss of cells after Hurricane Irma in 2017 and later legal and human rights rulings that changed available numbers. The Ministry is seeking technical assistance from the Netherlands to add detective capacity. The goal is to enforce consequences for both major and minor infractions, including fines and short custodial measures that improve compliance. The justice chain approach will include police, immigration, and customs.

• 𝐑𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐬: The Minister is open to practical programs that build skills and serve the community. One concept under review is using prison kitchen facilities to support school feeding programs, giving inmates work based training while helping children who need meals. The Ministry is assessing logistics, funding, and compliance needs. These efforts fall under the wider detention sector reform and UNODC partnership. The Ministry will brief the public through next week’s launch and a radio tour.

• 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The Ministry is working with service providers to resolve outstanding payments and consider arrangements and payment plans. Funding is secured to conduct a baseline study in the prison to determine care needs and required services. UNODC has hired a full time program manager for Sint Maarten to coordinate these components. The Ministry will start programs and activities before the new facility opens, with a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration for those currently detained.

Minister Tackling noted that reforms take time, but emphasized steady progress. She asked the public to bear with the process as the Ministry brings the elements together and delivers visible results.

Minister Tackling extended condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. D. Labady, who lost his life in a scooter accident. She wished the family strength and comfort.

‍