PHILIPSBURG:--- During the Central Committee meeting of Parliament on May 7th, 2025, Member of Parliament (MP) Darryl York raised critical questions and highlighted significant challenges facing the justice workers of St. Maarten. His contributions to the discussion focused on the importance of transparency, the procedural changes affecting the processing of national decrees (LBAs), and the pressing need to address issues within the prison system.
York began by questioning the reasons behind changes in the procedural approach to handling LBs. He asked whether the processes from batches 1 through 6, which reportedly had fewer issues, differed from those of batches 7 through 12. “If the earlier procedures worked well, why were they not continued? If changes were made midway, were they necessary, and are they now being corrected?” he queried. This line of questioning highlighted York’s focus on refining current approaches and understanding the history of previous systems.
Concern for Prison Workers
One of MP York’s primary concerns was the lack of progress with LBs for prison workers. He noted that no justice worker from the prison has received an LB. Highlighting these workers' challenging working conditions and long-standing issues, York was unequivocal in pressing the Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, for answers.
“Why, after all this time, have the prison workers remained an afterthought?” he asked, adding that leaving an entire department unaddressed raises troubling questions about prioritization and management. Pressing for clarity, York sought to confirm whether the prison workers are included in future batches and what specific plans the ministry has to resolve their placement and payment issues efficiently.
A Call for Clarity and Accountability
Echoing similar concerns raised by his colleagues, MP York emphasized the growing distrust among justice workers and the public due to perceived delays, errors, and a lack of clear communication from the Ministry. He warned of the consequences of inadequate transparency, suggesting that justice workers need more than vague assurances about their pending LBs.
“Clear and straightforward communication is paramount,” York said, urging the Minister to be more proactive in informing workers of developments, timelines, and the reasons behind delays. He recommended that the Ministry offer justice workers a timeline they can track to understand better when they might expect results, thereby quelling some of the frustration.
Transparency in Future Procedures
York expressed reservations about the newly restructured process for handling LBs, pointing out that the multi-step procedure may inadvertently create more bottlenecks. He inquired about the minister’s role in the new structure, asking whether her input would be too limited to expedite solutions. “If the process involves additional committees and layers of advice, would it not risk creating more red tape rather than promoting efficiency?” he asked, signaling his concern that streamlining efforts might not have the desired effect.
York also pushed for further clarity on how the rights of justice workers would be safeguarded under this procedure. He sought an explanation of how binding the advice of objection committees would be and whether workers would feel their objections are truly being heard and resolved in an equitable manner.
Tone of Constructive Accountability
Throughout his statements, MP York stressed the importance of constructive accountability. His incisive questioning reflected a desire to improve outcomes for justice workers while addressing long-standing inefficiencies. While critical at times, York’s approach remained focused on collaboration and seeking solutions that would restore faith in the process.
He closed by offering measured advice to the Minister of Justice, particularly emphasizing that words matter in creating perception. He urged the Minister to clear up any misconceptions about past mistakes and objections, warning that failure to address these perceptions could negatively affect trust in the ministry.
Empowering Justice Workers
MP York’s contributions reflected a commitment to empowering justice workers and ensuring their grievances are resolved through transparent and just processes. His advocacy for clear communication and fair procedures underscored the pressing need for institutional trust and accountability in addressing the plight of justice workers.
His remarks serve as a reminder that while the challenges facing the Ministry of Justice are complex, solutions must prioritize effective communication, transparency, and timely action to meet worker and public expectations alike.