PHILIPSBURG:--- Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling announced Wednesday that construction of the long-awaited New Pointe Blanche Prison has officially entered its first operational phase, with demolition work beginning this week and the project finally showing visible signs of progress after years of delays.
According to the minister, contractors have completed the initial mobilization phase and are now finalizing the construction site camp, including offices and new parking facilities for workers and visitors. While this work may appear routine, it marks the official transition from planning to physical construction.
The next major milestone will be the demolition of an existing warehouse located within the prison compound, followed by extensive vegetation clearing on the northern section of the property.
The project is being implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), which continues to oversee construction together with local and international partners.
Tackling stressed that establishing the site camp and supporting infrastructure is a critical stage of any large-scale construction project because it allows contractors to safely coordinate equipment, personnel and logistics before the main prison buildings begin to rise.
The Justice Minister acknowledged that many residents have questioned whether the prison project had truly started because little activity has been visible from the public road. To address those concerns, Government intends to begin releasing photographs and video updates documenting construction progress.
"We recognize that much of what happens at the top of Point Blanche is not visible to the public," Tackling explained, adding that greater transparency will allow residents to follow the project's development.
The announcement comes at a critical time.
The existing Pointe Blanche prison continues to face severe overcrowding and deteriorating infrastructure. The shortage of detention space has already forced the Prosecutor's Office in recent weeks to request the suspension of pre-trial detention in certain criminal cases because sufficient jail capacity was unavailable.
Government has repeatedly stated that the new correctional facility is essential to restoring the country's justice system, improving inmate conditions, strengthening security, and ensuring St. Maarten complies with international detention standards.
While no revised completion date was announced during Wednesday's briefing, officials said UNOPS remains focused on maintaining construction efficiency while meeting strict quality, safety and oversight requirements.
With demolition now underway and ground preparation beginning, the long-promised prison project has entered a phase where tangible progress can finally be measured.