PHILIPSBURG: --- Member of Parliament and United People's Party Leader, Omar E.C. Ottley, has lambasted the Justice Ministry following a recent court ruling that deemed the conditions in police holding cells inhumane. The ruling validated MP Ottley’s ongoing concerns about the Justice Minister’s decision to relocate inmates from the fire-damaged Pointe Blanche House of Detention to Philipsburg and Simpson Bay police cells. These facilities, which have long been classified as unfit for detention beyond ten days, have been operating under dire conditions.
“This ruling is not about vindication but about doing what’s right,” MP Ottley declared during his address in the ongoing 2025 Budget Debate. “The court has confirmed what we already knew—we cannot justify the inhumane treatment of people, not in a democracy and certainly not under my watch.”
The MP expressed outrage over the systemic failings exposed by the ruling. While the court decision revolved around one inmate’s case, Ottley noted, “The issue is far greater than just one individual. This is a systemic failure of our correctional system, and our government’s lack of urgency to implement meaningful reform is unacceptable.”
Mismanagement and Misrepresentation
MP Ottley criticized the Justice Ministry’s handling of the situation, including misleading public updates on prison conditions. He cited inconsistencies between statements issued by the Minister and observations made during his visit to police holding cells and Pointe Blanche Prison.
“The public was told that inmates had access to phone calls as compensation for suspended visitation rights. This is false. We personally visited the facilities and found no such accommodations in place,” Ottley noted. “Similarly, the Minister claimed inmates were offered adequate sunlight, yet we witnessed the opposite. These are basic human rights, not privileges.”
Adding to his concerns, Ottley highlighted significant unanswered questions regarding Ms. Schaap, a Dutch expert reportedly brought in to improve Sint Maarten’s prison system. “The Ministry alleges she’s working day and night on processes, but what processes, exactly? Nobody can explain. How much is she being paid? How can we afford this when we can’t even provide proper bedding for inmates or operational toilets?”
The MP also revealed that funds allocated for prison reform and the construction of new facilities remain tied up due to the absence of an actionable execution plan. Ottley urged the Justice Ministry to prioritize transparency in detailing how resources are being allocated and spent.
A National Emergency in Correctional Facilities
Ottley painted a grim picture of current detention conditions. “Fourteen men are crammed into a holding space designed for six. Basic hygiene is nonexistent, with toilets that back up sewage into cells. Many inmates are forced to sleep on the floor due to suffocating temperatures,” he described.
He further criticized the costly deployment of external support staff. “Dutch Marines, police from Curaçao, and other external personnel have been brought in to assist, yet we cannot find the means to increase salaries or improve working conditions for our local officers. Where are these funds coming from? Why are we prioritizing outside help over our own people?”
Ottley underscored how the current state of police cells and the lack of actionable plans for Pointe Blanche Prison not only violate human rights but also risk further legal consequences. “I’ve handled three cases in the European Court of Human Rights where Sint Maarten was found guilty. Those cases alone cost the government nearly €3000 in compensation per claimant. If we continue down this path, the financial burden on our country will only grow,” he warned.
Solutions for a Broken System
MP Ottley called for immediate reform, including the safe relocation of inmates currently housed in police cells. He underscored the need for a modern correctional facility that meets international standards while promoting rehabilitation to prepare inmates for reentry into society better.
“This isn’t just about fixing cells. It’s about fixing the system. First-time offenders are being locked in outdated spaces alongside hardened criminals, with no opportunity for rehabilitation. We’re not just failing the inmates; we’re failing the society they’ll return to,” Ottley said.
The MP also urged the government to address the dangerously low officer-to-inmate ratio at Pointe Blanche Prison, calling for expedited recruitment efforts and improved compensation for officers. “Our officers put their lives on the line daily. It’s unacceptable that they’re left with outdated salary scales and no opportunities for promotion. If we want professionalism, we must treat them as professionals,” he argued.
Accountability is Non-Negotiable
MP Ottley concluded his address with a resolute call for action, urging the Justice Minister and the government as a whole to act swiftly in light of the court’s decision. “Now that the law has spoken, we all know what’s morally right. The Minister must act, and this government must prioritize meaningful reform. Another scandal, lawsuit, or day of inaction is something our country cannot afford,” Ottley declared.
For Ottley, the message is clear. “Reform doesn’t end with complaints or court rulings; it begins with accountability. I will continue to push for immediate and lasting change. This is about justice, not only for inmates and officers, but for the future of St. Maarten as a whole.”
