It wasn't anything like a surprise when I read about the riot in Simpson Bay Police station Tuesday. Not a surprise, because I had already heard the news from an inmate of Simpson Bay but also because I have seen this coming for so long already. I had warned public and authorities through media multiple times.
To avoid possible misunderstandings, I do not condone violence but I do understand the frustrations of the inmates. I would like to explain these frustrations – again – to the public.
First of all it needs to be said that the people that are held in Simpson Bay are adult and under aged sentenced prisoners who are transferred from Pointe Blanche Prison to Simpson Bay police station due to 'planned' renovation and suspects awaiting their trial. Although the new cells are better than the cells in the police station downtown, they still do not comply with the standard international minimum requirements for prison cells. These persons are legally not allowed to be kept in a police cell, as these cells are not equipped and facilitated for long stay.
However, the Minister has decided in December 2011 that these police cells can be used. In his decision he explains that all persons of Simpson Bay will be transported to Pointe Blanche Prison from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays in order to provide them with the necessary facilities.
Fact 1: Holland had given Sint Maarten funds to renovate the prison years back already.
Fact 2: Last month Sint Maarten was again provided with funds, this time from USONA. The Minister stated that Liccom would execute the renovation. He also stated that "construction of the Pointe Blanche prison is to start as soon as we're ready to move inmates to Simpson Bay" (The Daily Herald March 14, 2012).
Fact 3: Liccom have not received a request nor provided the Minister with a quotation. Renovation will not start any time soon whilst inmates are already moved to Simpson Bay weeks ago.
Fact 4: Inmates of Simpson Bay are not being transported to Pointe Blanche Prison on weekdays to participate in the daily program or to make use of the prison facilities.
The Minister appointed police cells as prison cells under the false justification of a extremely needed but still not executed renovation and under the false condition that inmates will have access to the prison facilities during the day.
Of course they are frustrated when their human rights are being violated by being held in a police cell 23/7 without sufficient drinking water and with only one hour to breath in fresh air. Of course they are frustrated when the guards don't respond when they want to call their friends, family or lawyers while they are use to have and suppose to have access to a paid phone in the daytime. Of course they get frustrated when someone is sick but they cannot see a doctor nor a nurse. Of course they get frustrated when the guards are too busy playing with each other than to do their jobs and aggravate things by making remarks as "go masturbate on it". Although I can't confirm the last reason for frustration, it would not be surprised if that actually occurred. The rest of the reasons for frustration I can absolutely confirm.
People might not find this interesting as it – in their view - only concerns criminals. No, this concerns you, me and the whole society. You can be arrested tomorrow and accused of something you might or might not have done and you can be held in a hot police cell for weeks, months or even years (who knows when this situation ends) without getting sufficient drinking water without calls to family and friends, without medical attention when needed and so on. Or even when you're not the one, it can be your son, daughter or best friend.
Please think about it. For Sint Maartens sake.
