Six correctional professionals honored as St. Maarten concludes Prison Workers Week

GREAT BAY--Prison Workers Week 2026 concluded in St. Maarten on Sunday, October 11, following seven days of activities that brought together correctional personnel from St. Maarten, Curaçao, Bonaire and Suriname, along with a representative from Aruba, to promote regional cooperation, professional exchange and recognition of prison workers.

Hosted by the St. Maarten Prison Workers Activities Club under the theme "It's Time to Shine: Rising Above & Reaching Beyond," the event was held from October 5 to 11 and continued a regional tradition that began in Curaçao in 1984.

A central feature of this year's activities was the recognition of six individuals, including four staff members and two recent retirees, for their years of service and contributions to the correctional profession.

The honorees were Amparo Sabina-Martina, Marisol Wilson, Julia Ambrosina, Marjonette Reenis-Cathlin, George Adamus and Selvin Williams.

The formal recognition took place during the official Prison Workers Day ceremony on October 10 at the ALEEZE Convention Center, where Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, prison directors from the participating countries and other invited guests gathered to acknowledge the service of correctional personnel.

Prison Workers Week provides an opportunity for employees of correctional institutions to participate in activities outside their regular duties, exchange professional experiences and strengthen relationships with colleagues from other Caribbean jurisdictions.

The opening ceremony was held on October 5 at the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village and featured addresses by Minister Tackling, Prison Director Steven Carty and representatives of the visiting delegations.

President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams also attended the opening ceremony, during which the six individuals selected for special recognition were formally introduced.

The week's sporting activities began on October 6 with shooting and softball tournaments, followed by a volleyball competition on October 7. The competitions encouraged teamwork and interaction among personnel from the participating institutions.

Also on October 7, the visiting delegations toured the Point Blanche Correctional Institution and House of Detention, gaining insight into the operations and conditions of St. Maarten's correctional facilities.

Representatives of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) delivered a presentation concerning the country's detention sector and the new prison project, for which work has already commenced.

The visit provided an opportunity for correctional personnel from the participating countries to learn more about St. Maarten's ongoing detention reforms and exchange experiences concerning prison operations.

October 8 and 9 were devoted to recreational and social activities, allowing participants to interact in an informal setting and strengthen professional relationships.

Six Correctional Personnel Honored on Prison Workers Day

The main observance of Prison Workers Day took place on Saturday, October 10, beginning with a church service at the Methodist Church in Philipsburg.

The service was conducted by Reverend Javid Intiaz and attended by Governor Ajamu Baly, correctional personnel and visiting delegations.

Following the service, participants marched through Philipsburg to the Government Administration Building before attending the official recognition ceremony at the ALEEZE Convention Center.

The ceremony featured addresses by Minister Tackling and prison directors from the participating countries, along with an exchange of tokens of appreciation.

The six honorees were recognized for their dedication, professionalism and contributions to the correctional institution and the wider profession.

The recognition formed part of the event's emphasis on acknowledging the individuals whose daily responsibilities involve maintaining security, supervising detainees and supporting the operation of correctional facilities.

The official proceedings concluded with a luncheon attended by the participating delegations and invited guests.

Later that evening, correctional personnel gathered at the ALEEZE Convention Center for the Grand Prison Workers Dance. In keeping with the week's theme, participants attended in formal evening attire featuring royal blue, gold, white and black.

The event provided an opportunity for personnel to celebrate their accomplishments and interact with colleagues outside their professional environment.

Organizers Thank Staff, Sponsors and Volunteers

Prison Director Steven Carty expressed appreciation to President of the Prison Workers Activities Club Andricia Arrendell-Richardson and her organizing team for their work in coordinating the week-long event.

He also acknowledged the volunteers and prison employees who contributed to the preparations and execution of the activities.

Arrendell-Richardson thanked the businesses, organizations and individuals who provided financial, material and logistical assistance.

She acknowledged that organizing the event required considerable preparation and cooperation, particularly given the challenges involved in coordinating activities and accommodating visiting delegations.

The organizers also recognized the employees who continued carrying out their regular duties at the prison while other personnel participated in the week's events.

Special appreciation was extended to Managers Norwin Reenis, Supervisors Omaira Gario and Ronald Lake, and Officers Lidia Richardson and Nancy Maria, along with other staff members who maintained operations throughout the activities.

The organizing committee additionally thanked uniformed representatives of the Police Force, Voluntary Corps of St. Maarten (VKS), Customs, Youth Brigade and Immigration Department for their participation and support.

The Minister of Justice, the Minister's Cabinet staff and the Staff Bureau were also acknowledged for their assistance and cooperation.

Organizers emphasized that support from sponsors and donors was essential to staging the event.

Regional Tradition Continues in 2027

Prison Workers Week concluded on October 11 with a closing celebration at the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village.

The evening included the presentation of trophies to winners of the sporting competitions and a final gathering of the participating delegations before their departure.

The next edition of Prison Workers Week is scheduled for October 2027, when another participating country will host the event.

Since its establishment in Curaçao in 1984, the annual gathering has provided correctional personnel from participating Caribbean jurisdictions with opportunities to maintain professional relationships, share experiences and recognize colleagues for their service.

The St. Maarten Prison Workers Activities Club said this year's event continued that tradition while emphasizing the importance of supporting the employees responsible for maintaining safety, security and order within correctional institutions.

The club expressed appreciation to all visiting delegations, correctional management teams, government representatives, sponsors, donors, volunteers and committee members who contributed to the organization of Prison Workers Week 2026.

Organizers said the activities demonstrated the importance of recognizing correctional personnel not only for the responsibilities they perform, but also for their contributions to the institutions and communities they serve.

The week concluded with St. Maarten bidding farewell to its visiting colleagues following seven days of professional exchange, recognition and regional cooperation.

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