NAPB Wants 2027 budget to deliver payments, staffing and support for justice workers

GREAT BAY--With justice workers still awaiting the completion of placement procedures, retroactive payments and other longstanding obligations, the board of NAPB St. Maarten is looking to the draft 2027 National Budget for concrete funding, timelines and measures to strengthen both the justice workforce and public safety.

Following Tuesday’s formal presentation of the draft 2027 National Budget, NAPB said the coming parliamentary debate should provide clear details on how government intends to address those obligations, while confronting staffing shortages and other operational challenges across the justice chain.

NAPB recognizes the importance of presenting the budget on time. However, President of NAPB St. Maarten Marcus Pantophlet stressed that timely presentation must now be followed by serious examination, transparent debate and eventual approval by Parliament.

“Presenting a budget is the beginning of the process, not the final achievement,” Pantophlet said. “For NAPB and its members, the real question is what will this budget deliver for the men and women who protect our borders, patrol our communities, manage our prison and carry the daily responsibilities of the justice system.”

During the recent 2026 budget debate, government indicated that approximately Cg. 5.1 million would be budgeted in both 2026 and 2027 for financial obligations connected to the long-running placement process. The board of NAPB hopes Parliament will confirm whether this funding is clearly and securely included in the 2027 draft budget.

“Justice workers have waited long enough for the completion of their placements, corrected national decrees and retroactive payments,” Pantophlet said. “These are not gifts being requested from government. They are outstanding obligations owed to employees who continued serving this country while their legal positions and proper compensation remained unresolved.”

The outstanding retroactive amounts concern the period from October 10, 2010, through December 31, 2022. Pantophlet said the coming debate must provide a clear payment schedule rather than another general promise.

“Workers and their families need to know who will be paid, how much has been reserved, when payments will begin and how long the complete process will take,” he said. “A budget line without a transparent implementation plan will not resolve years of uncertainty.”

NAPB also wants the 2027 budget debate to address serious staffing shortages throughout the justice chain. Recent information presented to Parliament indicated that only 591 of 1,096 approved positions within the Ministry of Justice were filled, leaving 505 positions vacant.

“Public safety cannot be maintained through goodwill and overtime alone,” Pantophlet said. “Insufficient staffing places additional pressure on the officers who report for duty every day. It contributes to exhaustion, weakens morale and can affect the quality and speed of services delivered to the public.”

Pantophlet said NAPB hopes to see detailed provisions for:

• Completion of all outstanding placements and national decrees;
• Retroactive payments owed to active, retired and former justice workers;
• Adequate insurance, disability and death benefits;
• Recruitment to fill critical vacancies throughout the justice chain;
• Proper equipment, vehicles and reliable communications systems;
• Training and professional development;
• Mental-health and wellness support for frontline personnel; and
• Safe and suitable working conditions at police, immigration, customs and prison facilities.

“Government often speaks about fighting crime and strengthening public safety,” Pantophlet said. “The 2027 budget must show how those statements will be financed. You cannot demand more from justice workers while continuously postponing what is owed to them.”

The board of NAPB is therefore calling on Members of Parliament to question the government thoroughly during the budget debate and ensure that the final approved budget contains realistic funding, deadlines and accountability measures.

“This is an opportunity for Parliament to question the government thoroughly during the budget debate and ensure that the final approved budget contains realistic funding, deadlines and accountability measures.

“This is an opportunity for Parliament and government to demonstrate that justice workers are essential partners, not an afterthought,” Pantophlet concluded. “NAPB will study the details carefully. We hope the 2027 budget will finally translate years of agreements and promises into payments, protection, proper staffing and measurable improvements throughout the justice system.”

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