Philipsburg:--- Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba confirmed that former Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Richard Panneflek has sent her a letter requesting to return to the management of the Police Organization KPSSS. Jacoba said Panneflek was allowed to assist the island government of St. Maarten with some work and he indicated in his letter that he has completed that work and wished to return to his job.
The Minister said upon receipt of Panneflek’s letter she sent a letter to the island government of St. Maarten to inquire if Panneflek has completed the task he was requested to do. She said so far she has not received any response from the island government and as such she has not taken any decision as to whether Panneflek would return to the police management. She said whenever, she receives that answer she would make a decision if Panneflek could return to the KPSSS.
Jacoba acknowledged that very soon the management team of KPSSS would need reinforcement especially knowing that at least two of the five member team is expected to leave early next year on pension. The Minister explained that she intends to deal with the matter during a meeting on Wednesday. However, she said she did not give the current Assisstant Chief Commissioner Ademar Doran any permission to leave next month. Jacoba said Doran also did not get that permission from the former Minister of Justice David Dick. She did not rule out whether or not Doran would leave as planned but said that is one of the points that will be discussed on Wednesday.
The Minister said she also met with the police unions, namely the N.A.P.B (THE POLICE UNION), THE A.B.V.O. AND W.I.C.S.U to evaluate the Win Win Agreement as well as to deal with some matters pertaining to personnel. The meeting on Monday is mostly a review of the police force and to see in which direction the KPSSS is going.
She said the unions were suppose to send her a list on those brigadier who are due for upgrade but when they did not, she did her own research on the matter. Jacoba said she is currently looking for a solution for the brigadiers on St. Maarten, most likely she would use the same procedure that was used in Curacao and Bonair to deal with the issues on St. Maarten. The Minister is looking at the legality on what is consistent with the other islands compared to St. Maarten.
For applications those that were lying around in the Ministry she already worked on the Landsbesluit.
Inquiry to see if Investigation is Needed in Philips Allegations
Pressed by members of the media concerning the allegations made by detective Phillps against the management of the police force. Minister Jacoba said an inquiry is currently underway to see if an independent investigation is warranted.
Jacoba said Phillips made certain allegations and he is asked to provide the necessary proof into the allegations made. Asked how can the management team of the police force investigate itself when the allegations that were made was against them. Jacoba said all of that would be determined in the inquiry. She said if Philips has proof of his allegations then the Ministry of Justice would deal with the issue. Jacoba said the person who made the allegations would have to provide that proof, however, she did not say to whom the proof must be provided. Asked if she intends to investigate the procedures used to appoint the current head of CID as requested by Philips lawyer, Jacoba said she did not see the letter that the lawyer sent to the management team.
She said those conducting the inquiry would also consider the request of Philips who requested that an investigation be conducted to clear his name.
Detective Phillips some weeks ago released an open letter to all media houses highlighting some alleged wrong doings by the management team of the police force. The officer and former assistant head of CID said he was accused by Assistant Chief Commissioner Ademar Doran of destroying documents while he was heading the CID some seven years ago. He also stated in his letter that members of the management team was enriching themselves, he asked that an investigation be conducted on the finances of the police force KPSSS. Philips explained the torture he went through when he solved a murder case that involved the son of a former colleague. He said because he solved that case he was practically demoted and subsequently removed as head of the CID. Just recently Phillips applied for that position which was vacant. He said it was then Doran fabricated a story to say he destroyed documents some seven years ago to prevent him from getting that position.
SMN News understood that Doran wanted to remove Geronimo Julliet as head of immigration at the Princess Juliana International Airport and he had intended to appoint Phillips to that position. This media house understands that Doran had even asked Philps to prepare to go to Holland where he would follow training course prior to taking up the position at PJIAE. SMN News further learnt that Doran’s intention backfired on him when Juillet refused to vacate his position at the PJIAE. It was also learnt that Julliet brought forward some serious issues pertaing to immigration and PJIAE, one such issue is the lack of an intransit hall at the Airport. The Assistant Chief Commissioner had intentions to have Julliet head the police commmunications department since its current head Johan Janchi Leonard is leaving on early retirement.