PHILIPSBURG:--- Today carries deep meaning for us as a country, and especially for the Ministry of Justice. As we commemorate Constitution Day, we honor the defining moment of October 10, 2010, when Sint Maarten officially became a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. With that milestone, the Ministry of Justice was born, along with the responsibility to build our own systems, shape our institutions, and define justice through the lens of who we are as a people.
At its core, the Ministry of Justice is the guardian of safety, stability, and the rule of law. A strong Ministry means a strong Sint Maarten, one where citizens can trust that justice is fair, rights are protected, and communities are safe. It also means a country where visitors feel secure, where our reputation as a welcoming destination is preserved, and where law and order remain the backbone of our society.
Fifteen years later, we reflect on a journey marked by growth, reform, and resilience. The Ministry of Justice was built from the ground up, one law, one institution, one reform at a time. There was no manual or model to follow, only a shared commitment to create systems that serve our people and safeguard our democracy. Through every challenge, the Ministry has become stronger, more coordinated, and more grounded in purpose.
Today, I want to acknowledge all those who came before us: the justice workers who held the line, the civil servants who kept the wheels turning, and the previous Ministers who advanced progress under challenging circumstances. The road was far from smooth, but every effort, whether successful or not, helped bring us to where we are today.
We now stand as a Ministry that is transforming, strengthening institutions, modernizing systems, and investing in our people. Every milestone, including projects like the new digital immigration platform and the detention sector reform program, reflects our shared commitment to building a justice system that truly serves the people of Sint Maarten.
As we mark this milestone, I extend heartfelt thanks to all who serve within the justice chain, from law enforcement officers and immigration professionals to legal experts, prison staff, and civil servants. Each of you plays a vital role in upholding justice, protecting rights, and keeping our communities safe.
Looking back, one thing is clear: the Ministry of Justice you see today is not the same as it was fifteen years ago. We are stronger, more coordinated, and more determined than ever to keep improving, step by step, project by project, reform by reform.
