PHILIPSBURG:--- During the Central Committee meeting of Parliament on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, Member of Parliament (MP) Omar Ottley highlighted the dire need to resolve lingering issues regarding national decrees and payments for justice workers. The meeting, convened with the Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, was instigated by a request co-signed by MPs Ottley, Francisco Lacores, and Lyndon Lewis based on growing frustration from justice workers over delays in securing their rightful compensation and placements.
Kicking off discussions, MP Ottley underscored the sensitivity of the matter. “Justice workers have suffered for many years, and the issue at hand is not just about delayed payments, it’s about restoring trust and fairness,” he said. Ottley highlighted the unrest and discontent among personnel, cautioning against the public sentiment becoming further inflamed. He noted that some justice workers feel that the Ministry of Justice's communication is lacking transparency. "People are eager because this concerns their livelihood and their rights," he stated, emphasizing the moral and legal responsibility of Parliament and the Ministry to expedite solutions.
Clear Calls for Action
Ottley’s tone was resolute yet balanced. While commending the Minister for her willingness to tackle the issue, he did not shy away from constructive criticism and advice. He urged the Minister to accelerate the process while cautioning against striving for an unattainable level of perfection. “You cannot and will not ever please everyone,” he noted, warning that fixating solely on objections could derail progress. Instead, Ottley encouraged focusing on executing the process efficiently and ensuring that the majority of justice workers promptly receive what is owed to them.
He also underscored the necessity of robust communication with stakeholders, particularly the unions. “The unions must be carried along at every step,” Ottley insisted, citing their critical role in fostering understanding among justice workers to prevent unnecessary friction.
A Plea for Avoiding Escalation
MP Ottley’s comments reflected the concerns of many who fear the issue could snowball into significant unrest if not handled urgently. He cautioned that delays or mishandling of justice workers’ grievances could prompt public protests and damage public perception of the Ministry’s ability to manage its workforce fairly. "Avoid, at all costs, a protest and a show in front of the government building," he warned. For Ottley, the stakes extend far beyond bureaucracy; the situation impacts real lives, families, and the stability of key institutions.
A Commitment to Accountability
Ottley also used the platform to hold Parliament and the government accountable. He called on the Chair of Parliament to ensure that the Minister commits to concluding the process quickly and that answers to questions raised during meetings are provided within agreed timelines. He pointed to other delays in responses from Ministers as unacceptable, indicating a strong stance on governance and responsibility.
Key Questions Raised
Among his pointed questions, Ottley inquired about timelines for resolving issues specific to the prison workers, many of whom have gone years without appropriate placements or legal decrees. He also asked about the broader financial implications of updating LBs for justice workers and sought clarity on whether the ministry is prepared to meet the resulting budgetary demands. Ottley further sought clarification on the planned payment structure, urging communication to manage workers’ expectations effectively.
Leading with Empathy
Throughout his contributions to the meeting, MP Ottley maintained a tone of empathy and pragmatism. While emphasizing a results-driven approach, he demonstrated sensitivity to the frustrations and needs of justice workers. His balanced advocacy reflected frustration with delays without undermining the complexities of managing such an expansive undertaking.
Concluding his remarks, MP Ottley pressed the Minister to maintain focus and dedication while speeding up the process. “Get it done,” he stressed, reinforcing the situation's urgency with a direct and results-oriented message.
MP Ottley's concerns highlight a collective effort in Parliament to address the longstanding grievances of justice workers. His contributions emphasized efficiency, communication, and accountability as the pillars of effectively resolving this issue.
