PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, provided detailed updates on key matters affecting justice workers. The briefing, held on Wednesday covered the status of the Landsbesluit (LB) process, the groundbreaking of a new prison facility, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on mental health legal support, and outcomes from the recent judicial four-party consultation (JVO). Minister Tackling emphasized the importance of transparency and clarity, particularly regarding the LB process, which has been a focal point for justice workers and the wider community.
Status of the LB Process and Justice Worker Matters
Minister Tackling began by addressing the completion of Phase 1 of the LB process, which was finalized in December 2025. She clarified that the Ministry of Justice had fulfilled its institutional responsibility by compiling and validating all employment files under the 17 established batches. This process involved meticulous manual cross-checking of historical employment records, appointments, promotions, and function changes across multiple legacy HR systems.
The Minister explained that once files are validated, they move through a formal approval chain involving the Department of Internal Affairs (DIV), the Ministry of Finance, and the Governor, who provides the final sign-off. This rigorous process ensures accuracy, fairness, and legal certainty for justice workers.
However, an internal review conducted in December 2025 identified a small number of outstanding cases, prompting the creation of a new "Batch 18." These cases, affecting between 10 to 20 employees, were identified due to gaps in earlier phases and discrepancies in the function book.
Minister Tackling noted that some functions had been incorrectly scaled or omitted entirely, necessitating amendments to the function book. The Ministry is now working with P&O Central under the Ministry of General Affairs to resolve these issues lawfully and efficiently.
Additionally, the Minister highlighted the reactivation of an objection committee in mid-2025 to address unresolved objections from previous years. This committee has been actively meeting with justice workers and providing recommendations to the Ministry.
Progress on Outstanding Payments
Minister Tackling provided updates on payments owed to justice workers, including Jubilee payments and on-call allowances. She confirmed that 69 Jubilee payments had been approved and signed off, with some awaiting the Governor's signature. The Ministry also ensured that corrections to on-call allowances for KPSM officers were made in time for the December 2025 payroll, doubling the allowance from 75 guilders to 150 guilders.
Overtime calculations for police, Landsrecherche, and immigration service employees are ongoing, with a third party assisting. The Minister also acknowledged the often-overlooked contributions of Coast Guard employees, announcing the adoption of a new function book and indexation of scales to address longstanding issues. This will allow the Coast Guard to expand its workforce by 20 full-time employees in 2026.
Phase 2 of the LB Process
Looking ahead, Minister Tackling outlined plans for Phase 2 of the LB process, which addresses retroactive placements pre-dating January 1, 2023. She explained that progress on Phase 2 had been delayed due to a legal technical error in the publication of the Organization Besluit for Justice and the function book. This error required a complex legal repair, which has now been completed. The corrected legislation was approved by the Council of Ministers (COM) and will be sent to the Governor for final approval.
The Minister emphasized that this legal repair safeguards the rights of justice workers by ensuring that their positions, salary scales, and organizational placements rest on a sound legal foundation. This step is crucial to prevent future disputes over appointments and compensation.
Commitment to Justice Sector Improvements
Minister Tackling concluded her remarks by reaffirming the Ministry's commitment to strengthening systems, partnerships, and delivery across the justice sector. She highlighted the Ministry's efforts to address longstanding issues, ensure fairness, and provide justice workers with the support they deserve.
The updates provided by Minister Tackling reflect a proactive approach to resolving challenges within the justice sector and a clear vision for 2026. As the Ministry of Justice continues its work, the people of St. Martin can expect further progress in ensuring a fair and efficient justice system.
