GOIA Group supports dock projects as maritime immigration services move temporarily to Anguilla Dock; health initiative screens prisoners, youths and correctional staff.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling announced the temporary relocation of maritime immigration services, reported the completion of a detention health screening initiative and outlined continuing rehabilitation activities during the October 7 Council of Ministers press briefing.
GOIA Group supports the dock project. Tackling said immigration services normally provided at the Simpson Bay Dock have moved to the ferry dock at Princess Juliana International Airport, commonly known as the Anguilla Dock, while refurbishment takes place.
Simpson Bay Dock Inaccessible During Repairs
Tackling advised that the Simpson Bay Dock would no longer be accessible from Wednesday, October 7.
At the temporary Anguilla Dock location, immigration services will operate daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Ministry of Justice and Immigration and Border Protection Services are also exploring an additional temporary service location to accommodate the maritime community.
Discussions are ongoing, and the ministry will communicate further details once arrangements are finalized.
Tackling thanked maritime operators and other users for their patience and cooperation during the improvements. Her remarks did not specify a reopening date for the Simpson Bay location.
Detention Health Initiative Screens 88 Participants
Tackling reported that Pointe Blanche Prison and the Miss Lalie Center completed a health screening initiative under the Detention Sector Reform Program, supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and local partners.
The initiative screened 57 prisoners at Pointe Blanche, representing approximately 65 percent of the prison population, alongside 14 youths at the Miss Lalie Center.
Another 17 staff members across both facilities were screened, bringing the combined number of participants to 88.
The minister said the exercise established the first comprehensive health baseline for the detention facilities.
The information collected will guide future healthcare planning, strengthen rehabilitation efforts and help inform services for detainees and staff.
Tackling emphasized that supporting correctional health requires attention to both those in detention and the professionals caring for them. She did not disclose specific screening results or treatment needs.
Under the Hood Project Continues
The minister also announced the successful completion of the first phase of the Under the Hood Project at Pointe Blanche Prison and the Miss Lalie Center.
Over the preceding two months, inmates serving as resident volunteers worked alongside international volunteers on literacy, creativity, and personal development activities.
The work included establishing inmate newsletters, launching a book club and satellite library through a library partnership, and introducing photography and creative arts activities.
“These programs are about more than keeping people occupied,” Tackling said. “They help build responsibility, confidence, and skills that support successful rehabilitation and reintegration.”
A second phase is now underway, with the minister promising further updates on activities in the coming weeks.
Regional Colleagues Join Prison Workers Week
Tackling recognized Prison Workers Week, which began on Monday under the theme “It’s Time to Shine.”
The observance celebrates Sint Maarten’s prison workers and welcomes visiting colleagues from Curaçao, Bonaire and Suriname.
The minister said these exchanges strengthen regional cooperation, allow correctional personnel to learn from one another and reinforce their shared goal of safer, stronger correctional systems.
She thanked visiting participants for their continued partnership with Sint Maarten.
Human Rights Conference Open to Public Participation
Sint Maarten will host the Human Rights Conference 2026 on Friday, October 9, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the University of St. Martin.
Representatives from the Council of Europe, along with local and international experts, will participate.
The conference will provide an opportunity to discuss human rights, learn about the Council of Europe’s work and consider how to strengthen Sint Maarten’s justice system.
Justice professionals, civil society organizations, students and members of the public were encouraged to register through the link or QR code available on the Ministry of Justice’s Facebook page.
Breast Cancer Awareness Appeal
At the beginning of her remarks, Tackling acknowledged the impact of breast cancer across the community.
She encouraged residents to prioritize their health, support those affected, and remember the importance of early detection and regular screenings during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Tackling said the ministry’s updates demonstrated that strengthening justice involves several connected efforts, including improving services, investing in rehabilitation, and creating opportunities for dialogue on human rights.