Police union says crime requires whole-of-government response

GREAT BAY--The NAPB St. Maarten Police Union has welcomed Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten’s initiative to convene an urgent meeting with the Ministry of Justice and other partners following recent criminal incidents affecting the community and tourism sector.

NAPB President Marcus Pantophlet said efforts to strengthen public safety through greater cooperation should be recognized, but stressed that the current situation must also serve as a wake-up call for the entire government.

“Crime is not solely a Ministry of Justice problem. It is a national problem that requires a whole-of-government response,” Pantophlet said.

The union said it has advocated for increased investment throughout the justice chain for several years, repeatedly raising concerns about personnel shortages, limited operational resources, aging equipment, inadequate infrastructure, officer welfare and the lack of proper insurance coverage for justice workers.

According to Pantophlet, these longstanding concerns have too often been met with delays rather than firm decisions and sustained investment.

Police officers continue to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism and dedication despite increasingly difficult working conditions, he said. However, the commitment of officers cannot indefinitely compensate for years of insufficient resources.

“Our officers cannot be expected to continue doing more with less. They are standing on the front lines and, in many cases, risking their lives to protect this country,” Pantophlet said.

The union emphasized that public safety directly affects tourism, economic growth, foreign investment, business confidence and the general well-being of residents.

Criminal activity that affects businesses, residents or visitors can have consequences extending far beyond the Ministry of Justice, particularly when residents feel unsafe or visitors begin questioning the security of the destination.

“The government must recognize that investing in justice is not simply an expense. It is an investment in the country’s stability, economy and future,” Pantophlet said.

The NAPB is calling on the Council of Ministers to provide stronger financial support to the Ministry of Justice for the recruitment and retention of police officers and other justice personnel.

The union is also seeking investment in modern equipment, technology and operational resources, improved training and professional development, proper insurance and welfare provisions for justice workers, and increased capacity throughout the justice chain, including the Prosecutor’s Office and detention facilities.

Pantophlet said the recent criminal incidents should lead to more than meetings and discussions. They should result in clear policy decisions, budget commitments and measurable action.

“Our members deserve more than praise. They deserve the equipment, resources and institutional support needed to perform their duties safely and effectively,” he said.

The NAPB said it remains prepared to work constructively with government ministries, stakeholders and the wider community to improve public safety.

Meaningful progress, however, will require the government to collectively recognize national security as a shared responsibility and prioritize the investments needed to protect the people of St. Maarten, the union concluded.

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