PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Justice of Saint-Maarten, Nathalie Tackling, has issued a formal update regarding the incident that took place on Wednesday, May 14, at the Pointe Blanche prison. The event, which began as a refusal by inmates to return to their cells, escalated into a fire that required a swift and coordinated response from emergency personnel.
Timeline of Events
The situation unfolded around 4 p.m. when reports reached the Minister of Justice about inmates refusing to comply with instructions to return to their cells. While initial efforts to mobilize police units were underway, a fire broke out inside the prison, escalating the crisis.
Emergency responders, including the prison staff, the fire department, KPSM police officers, VKS officers, the Marines, ambulance personnel, and other support teams, quickly sprang into action.
By 5:30 p.m., the Minister of Justice arrived at Pointe Blanche but was unable to enter the facility due to ongoing emergency operations. A crisis team had already been convened around 4 p.m., and the Minister relocated its operations to the Philipsburg police station. The team worked tirelessly until nearly 9 p.m., after which it returned to Pointe Blanche prison when the situation was deemed safe for entry.
Efforts to combat the fire proved successful, with firefighters extinguishing the blaze by 6 p.m. Despite this, significant challenges remained. Structural damage and safety concerns forced 51 inmates out of their cells overnight, prompting emergency relocation measures.
Emergency Response and Housing Efforts
Officials and emergency personnel worked into the early hours of the morning to ensure all inmates were accounted for and provided with temporary accommodations. Some inmates were transferred to the Philipsburg police station, while others were housed in various rooms and spaces in the Pointe Blanche prison with bedding provided by the Marines. Adequate staffing levels were maintained throughout these arrangements to ensure safety for both inmates and staff.
By nearly 3 a.m., emergency teams had secured accommodation for all inmates. Meanwhile, assessments of the structural integrity of the prison and the extent of the fire damage are ongoing.
Ongoing Stabilization Efforts
The Minister of Justice stressed that stabilizing the situation remains the government's top priority. Inspections are currently being conducted by VROMI officials, fire department inspectors, and representatives from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), which is overseeing the construction of a new prison facility.
Authorities are also exploring solutions to address the immediate needs created by the incident. These include utilizing alternative facilities such as the Philipsburg police station and the Simpson Bay Foreigner Detention Center. Additionally, discussions are underway with other facilities within the Kingdom to determine how they might assist during this critical period.
Assurance to the Public
The Minister of Justice assured the public that the situation is being treated with the utmost urgency, emphasizing the government's commitment to the safety of all inmates and staff.
"Everyone is safe, and we are doing our best to stabilize the incident," the Minister stated. "We thank the public for their patience, understanding, and support during this challenging time."
While the situation remains under close observation, the Minister indicated that updates would follow as additional information becomes available. For now, officials are focused on ensuring safety and assessing the next steps in addressing the damage and providing secure accommodation for those impacted by the incident.
This marks a critical moment for the Pointe Blanche prison, but the swift and dedicated response by emergency teams highlights a strong commitment to public safety and order.
