MP Lewis says police chief’s dual justice role poses conflict of Interest

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis, Vice Chair of Parliament’s Justice Committee, has formally raised concerns with Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling over the appointment of Chief of Police Carl John to also serve as Acting Secretary General within the Ministry of Justice, calling the arrangement a serious conflict of interest that warrants urgent review.

In a letter submitted through the Chair of Parliament, Lewis outlined a broad series of concerns tied to the appointment and to ongoing issues affecting justice workers across the ministry. While the correspondence contains 50 questions, Lewis said the central issue is whether one individual can fairly and effectively hold two senior roles within the justice chain at the same time, particularly when those roles may intersect on matters of personnel, oversight, policy, and accountability.

Lewis argued that the dual appointment raises concerns about good governance, transparency, efficiency, accountability, and the separation of responsibilities within the justice system. He noted that the Chief of Police already leads one of the country’s most critical departments and said assigning that same individual to simultaneously function as Acting Secretary General creates a situation that can undermine objectivity and public confidence.

“As Vice Chair of the Justice Committee, I have been approached by numerous justice workers who feel personally targeted, unfairly treated, and victimized by decisions allegedly being made by the Chief of Police. To now have him appointed as Acting Secretary General, they see no objectivity and fairness and hope moving forward in their career under the umbrella of Justice,” MP Lewis stated.

According to Lewis, the concerns being raised are not limited to the appointment itself, but also reflect broader unease among justice personnel about workplace treatment, unresolved administrative issues, delayed decisions, and a lack of clarity on matters affecting their professional future. He said the ministry must take these concerns seriously and respond in a manner that restores trust among the men and women serving in the justice sector.

Among the issues Lewis wants addressed are the legal and procedural basis for the appointment, the safeguards in place to prevent conflicts of interest, the impact of the arrangement on the functioning of the Police Force of St. Maarten, and the wider effect on other departments within the Ministry of Justice. He also called for an independent review of the appointment in the interest of transparency and public confidence.

“The people of St. Maarten, and particularly the men and women serving within the justice sector, deserve a justice system built on transparency, objectivity, fairness, competent leadership and most of all institutional integrity. These matters cannot continue to be ignored,” Lewis emphasized.

Lewis said the minister must exercise due diligence, provide clear answers, and ensure that all appointments and decisions within the Ministry of Justice are made in the best interest of the country and in keeping with the principles of good governance. He added that restoring confidence, protecting institutional integrity, and ensuring justice workers receive the respect and support they deserve must remain a priority.

‍