SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - On May 1^st, 2025, the Law Enforcement Council (the Council) presented its State of Law Enforcement (the State) for the year 2024 directly to both the Minister of Justice and the Parliament of Sint Maarten. In its State, the Council broadly describes the developments in law enforcement and the findings that go beyond individual inspections.

The focus of the last State (2023) was on judicial cooperation between the countries. In addition to cooperation, the 2024 State focuses on local circumstances, including juvenile delinquency, (cross-border) issues and their consequences for law enforcement, the entire justice chain and society as a whole.

In this State, the Council again emphasises that a repressive approach alone is insufficient. A well-functioning integrated (cross-ministry and/or country-transcending) chain approach is necessary. The Council points out that the time has come for a long-term vision that is future-proof and supported by effective joint action(s). 

Need for an integrated chain approach

For years, the Council has pointed out that law enforcement in Sint Maarten - a small vulnerable society due to factors such as its location in the hurricane belt and its uniqueness of having two countries on one island territory - is and remains vulnerable.

This is due to a lack of or limited availability of essential resources, such as material, human and financial resources. This reality requires that the available scarce resources be used efficiently and responsibly.

The need for a broader perspective in the approach to local and cross-border issues is becoming increasingly evident. The Council therefore argues in this State for an integrated chain approach, which goes beyond just the judicial law enforcement chain.

In the State, the Council describes four pillars that are of great importance for an integrated approach to various issues within law enforcement. These are: prevention (awareness and prevention), approach (management and capacity), cooperation (the need to work together) and protection (human security, resilience and independent institutions).

However, this requires cooperation from a well-functioning integrated (where possible cross-ministry and/or country-transcending) chain approach.

The Council notes that in particular more cooperation within and between the countries is too often a (partially) untapped potential solution. A good example of where cooperation between the countries has led to good results is the police cooperation between the countries.

Juvenile delinquency in Sint Maarten

Juvenile delinquency is a subject that has been a matter of concern in Sint Maarten for many years. For years, several studies by the Council and other organizations and agencies have outlined a situation in which young people are increasingly committing more serious offences at an increasingly younger age.

The Council and other organisations note that these negative trends are increasing. In the State, the Council elaborates on various causes and consequences and the need for an integrated approach to youth issues.

Human security

The Council also calls attention to human security in the State. For law enforcement in Sint Maarten more attention is needed from a human security perspective for investments in the quality and quantity of personnel working in the judicial chain, which will contribute to the strengthening of the various institutions.

Within a well-functioning democratic rule of law and, particularly the judicial chain, there should be attention to the resilience of organisations and the – physical and mental – protection of the persons working within (public and justice) organisations and citizens in general. The independent institutions are also indispensable.

Ensuring that the legal status, remuneration and working conditions of justice personnel is up to standard is an important (preventive) factor in the fight against corruption as is the physical and mental well-being of personnel.

Such (structural) improvements also lead to greater public confidence in the government and strengthen the credibility of justice organisations locally, regionally and internationally.

Cooperation between the countries

The Council also discusses two forms of cooperation between the countries within the Kingdom that received specific attention in 2024. This concerns regional police cooperation and forensic care.

Both forms of cooperation lead to improvements in the performance of tasks and the quality of management of the organisation involved and the chain as a whole. The Council notes that as far as regional police cooperation is concerned, the many years of intensive efforts to achieve effective cooperation have reaped its benefits.

Cooperation has also been sought with regard to forensic care. However, the Council notes that the results of this are still difficult to measure. In practice, this cooperation still requires the necessary attention.

In conclusion

In recent years, the Council has drawn attention to the responsibilities of Parliament and the Minister of Justice. This is due to the fact that, for years, the reports of the Council on Sint Maarten have not or not consistently been presented to Parliament with a response in accordance with the Kingdom Act Law Enforcement Council.

This was still the case in 2024. The Council once again reiterates the responsibilities of each and everyone in this regard.

In 2024, the Council also once again notes that personnel within the justice chain continue to work hard every day for a safer society and expresses its gratitude for this.

The States of Law Enforcement Sint Maarten 2024 (available in Dutch and English with infographic), Caribbean Netherlands 2024 and Curaçao 2024 and all other publications of the Council are available digitally on the Council’s new website: https://www.raadrh.com/

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Prime Minister Luc Mercelina and Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) Patrice Gumbs cosigned a letter of intent, the Gustavia Appeal, in support of regional cooperation in waste during the Zero Waste Conference. Spearheaded by SYVADE, the Regional Waste Management and Recovery Center in Guadeloupe, to address waste at the regional level. 

Co-signing the Gustavia Appeal were Mr. Xavier Ledee, President of Saint-Barthelemy; Mr. Louis Mussington, President of Saint-Martin; Mr. Kyle Hodge, Minister for Economic Development and Natural Resources of Anguilla; Jean-Philippe Courtois, First Vice-President of the Departmental Council of Guadeloupe; Mr. Bruce Zagers, Commissioner of Saba; and Mr. Domique Biras, President of SYVADE.

The Sint Maarten delegation included Mr. Stuart Johnson, Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister; Mr. Claret Connor, Director of the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB), and Mr. Ronald Halman, Representative of Sint Maarten on the Trust Fund Steering Committee.

In the Letter of Intent, Governments recognized the shared challenges of managing waste and the need to collectively find solutions. As part of its mission, SYVADE supports cooperation across municipalities and agencies in Guadeloupe and has been working to expand this collaboration throughout the Caribbean.

This initiative towards a regional approach to waste is supported by the European Union and aims to assist Caribbean islands with waste solutions through knowledge exchange, advanced technology, and innovative financing. 

The Ministry of VROMI is in the final stages of designing the solution for the landfill under the Emergency Debris Management Project (EDMP). The project, administered by the World Bank, through the trust fund, has earmarked over USD$50 million towards waste reforms.

These reforms will consist of physically improving the landfill, enhancing existing waste regulations and financing, and introducing a more circular economy that makes use of the value of our collective waste; thereby minimizing the amount of garbage going to the landfill.

Minister Gumbs outlined his Ministry's definition of success for EDMP as the "improving of current disposal practices supported by a financially sound waste management system that focuses on creating a circular and safe economic environment.

Gumbs concluded by stating "these efforts are geared towards the closure and rehabilitation (cleaning up) of the existing landfill site; cooperation with our subregional partners plays a critical part in achieving this success through joint solutions for waste treatment and management".

As focal point of the Trust Fund, Prime Minister Mercelina reiterated his commitment to supporting VROMI’s vision for waste reforms through regional cooperation. During the conference Prime Minister Mercelina met with regional colleagues to discuss economic opportunities through regional cooperation and how best to align national policies to facilitate such engagement.

Prime Minister, who is charged with foreign relations, pledged his support to facilitate agreements that may be deemed necessary to support this initiative. "the Caribbean must no longer see waste as a burden, but as a resource and an opportunity,” stated Prime Minister Mercelina reflecting about the seminar.

“We are here because regional cooperation is key to supporting our future; our environment demands more than words, it demands decisive, collective action.” Prime Minister concluded by issuing a call to regional leaders to be a catalyst for real change, underscoring Sint Maarten's readiness to find regional solutions to collective challenges.   

As Minister Gumbs continues to lead in the advancement of EDMP, what will be important is a comprehensive update to the Parliament of Sint Maarten in the coming months. The request for this meeting will be made once the long-term vision for waste management is finalized.

Minister Gumbs stated that "for the first time ever both political will and financing have aligned and offered the opportunity to fix the landfill and by extension our ongoing waste challenges.

The Government of Sint Maarten remains committed to addressing this in support of improving the overall well-being for both residents and visitors alike, as well as our future generations. 

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - In the aftermath of the riot and fire at the Pointe Blanche Prison on May 14, the Ministry of Justice has remained fully engaged in managing the emergency response and stabilizing conditions.

This press release from the cabinet of the Minister of Justice Hon. Nathalie Tackling provides a detailed update on actions taken, ongoing recovery efforts, and the next steps toward long-term reform. Due to the damage caused by the fire and the uninhabitable condition of the affected area, 51 inmates had to be relocated.

Some were transferred to Police Bureau cells in Philipsburg, while others were temporarily housed in unaffected areas within Pointe Blanche. The Minister of Justice, alongside the crisis management team, remained on-site until nearly 3:00 a.m., working to ensure that each inmate had a safe place to sleep and that order was maintained.

“This incident has challenged our systems, but it has also revealed a silver lining – our collective strength,” said Minister Nathalie M. Tackling.

“From emergency services and law enforcement to prison staff and government officials, everyone came together without hesitation.” Our priority remains the safety and security of all affected. We are moving swiftly, transparently, and with full focus on recovery and reform.”

Prison Visit and Inmate Discussion

The following morning, Minister Nathalie M. Tackling visited the prison to personally assess the damage after police forensics and VROMI had done their checks. She also met with the Inmates Association, where she provided a detailed briefing on her and the crisis management team’s actions, and which potential solutions were being explored to improve the current situation.

The Inmates Association shared insight into what led to the riot and took time to acknowledge two of their members who acted bravely during the incident by risking their lives to free other inmates from their cells.

They confirmed that guards were present and made a good judgement call, stating that they could not have unlocked the cells and helped others escape the fire without the support of the guards on site.

The Minister thanked them for their swift and selflessness action. She also explained the difference between a judge releasing a suspect - with or without the condition of an ankle bracelet (electronic monitoring) and the Minister deciding on (early) conditional release for convicted prisoners, and reiterated her commitment to finding fair and practical solutions to their concerns and the other prisoners’ frustrations.

The Minister also shared that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), responsible for implementing rehabilitation programs in the new prison, had recently visited Sint Maarten.

In the meantime, the Ministry is finalizing short-term rehabilitation programs to begin offering these services now and carry them into the new prison. The association agreed that the immediate priority should be stabilizing the current conditions, followed by meaningful progress on longer-term reforms, including rehabilitation programs.

Current Situation

During a second emergency crisis management meeting held on May 15, the Ministry of Justice brought together key stakeholders to align on next steps. Present were the leadership of KPSM, the prison director, representatives from UNOPS (tasked with managing the new prison construction), the Ministry of BZK (Dutch Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations), and the Prosecutor’s Offices of Sint Maarten and Curaçao.

A technical inspection of the affected prison block was reviewed during the meeting. Officials from the Ministry of VROMI, the Fire Department, forensic teams, and UNOPS confirmed that while the impacted area is currently unlivable, there is no structural risk of collapse.

The reinforced concrete structure remains intact, which provides a solid foundation for repairs. Cleanup of the affected area set to begin today and will be followed by electrical and general repair work.

Once the area is cleared, a secondary assessment will determine the full scope of the damage and provide a more accurate timeline for restoring capacity and returning inmates to their cells.

Support continues to be mobilized from various partners. Aruba has offered to send five correctional officers, and the Ministry is currently finalizing logistics for their deployment. UNOPS is also activating one of their experts from within the region, with the aim of placing them on a flight to Sint Maarten today.

Additionally, a corrections expert who recently relocated from the Netherlands was on-site this morning at 9:00 a.m. to further assess the situation and share their expertise. Last night, the Coast Guard provided additional assistance on the ground, and immigration officers have been remobilized to support operations today and into the weekend.

Additional Marines from Aruba are also scheduled to arrive today to strengthen the response capacity. In the interim, inmates will be held in several secure facilities, including Philipsburg, the Foreign Detention Center, and unaffected areas within Pointe Blanche.

The Ministry has reached out to Kingdom partners to explore possibilities for temporary housing abroad; however, those partners are also experiencing capacity challenges. Inmate placements are being handled with care, considering individual risk levels and compatibility to maintain safety and order.

Experts from Aruba and Bonaire have also been requested to assist with safety evaluations and staffing assessments. Mental health professionals are being arranged to provide psychological support to both inmates and correctional staff following the traumatic experience.

The Minister also ensured the delivery of cases of bottled water to the prison after the facility’s water dispenser was affected by the fire.

Ongoing Investigation

The Police Force of Sint Maarten and the Public Prosecutor’s Office are currently investigating the incident. The Council for Law Enforcement (Raad voor de Rechtshandhaving), as an independent body, is legally authorized to initiate its own investigation at its discretion.

If deemed necessary, the Dutch Safety Board (Onderzoeksraad voor Veiligheid) may also be called upon to carry out an investigation. Anyone found to be responsible for the fire will be held fully accountable and will face firm disciplinary action and, where applicable, criminal prosecution.

As the investigation is ongoing, the Ministry will not provide further comment at this time.

Looking Ahead To The New Prison

This incident has reaffirmed the urgency of broader justice sector reforms. As part of its 2025–2028 program, the Ministry of Justice is executing a phased plan to modernize and expand the Pointe Blanch Prison.

The new prison, which is being developed in partnership with UNOPS, will feature improved safety protocols, increased capacity, and rehabilitation programs. It will be staffed with professionally trained personnel and supported by modern security technology. Rehabilitation and reintegration are core to this transformation.

With technical support from UNODC and other international partners, the Ministry is ensuring that programs focused on skill-building, mental health, and successful reintegration are embedded in the new facility from day one.

These are urgent priorities that will begin in the short term and carry into the future. More details on the new prison will be provided at a later date.

On a final note

The Ministry of Justice once again extends its sincere gratitude to all emergency responders and support teams who acted swiftly in response to the incident. Special thanks go to the Prison Staff, Fire Department, Ambulance Services, Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM), VKS, Koninklijke Marechaussee, the Marines, as well as UNOPS, the Ministry of VROMI, the forensic teams, Kingdom partners, and everyone else doing their part.

Their dedication, professionalism, and collaboration have been instrumental in ensuring safety, containing the situation, and moving recovery efforts forward. As the Ministry continues to manage this evolving situation, it is important to note that a number of false and misleading reports are circulating online and in the media.

These messages are speculative, unverified, and in some cases, outright false. The Ministry urges the public to rely only on official communications and verified updates. In times of crisis, sharing accurate information is critical.

The Ministry of Justice will continue to provide updates as progress unfolds.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Just before 4:00 PM on Tuesday, May 14, 2025, personnel from the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM), Fire Department, and Ambulance Services were dispatched to the old Post Office parking lot on De Brot Street following reports of a fire and injured persons.

Upon arrival, first responders encountered an adult male and female. The male victim had sustained burn injuries to his lower extremities, while the female victim was reported to have sustained undetermined injuries.

Preliminary investigation indicates that both individuals had been residing in an abandoned bus parked at the location and were reportedly cooking when the incident occurred.

Both victims received medical attention on the scene from paramedics and were subsequently transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for further treatment.

Firefighters successfully extinguished the fire inside the bus. Detectives and forensic personnel are actively investigating the cause of the incident.