PHILIPSBURG:--- As work progresses on the construction of the new Point Blanche Prison Facility, the Ministry of Justice would like to provide an update on recent site developments, upcoming activities, and the environmental controls in place.
Implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the project forms a cornerstone of the broader Detention Sector Reform Program. The project transitions Sint Maarten’s correctional infrastructure beyond traditional confinement by integrating dynamic security, rehabilitation, and structured inmate management. Aligned with international human rights and detention standards, the facility embeds social, gender-responsive, environmental, and sustainability principles into future operations.
Over the past weeks, considerable progress has been made with site excavations and security fencing, paving the way for targeted demolition works in the coming weeks. Recognizing that heavy civil works inherently generate temporary noise and dust, the project team and contractor have instituted and enforced mitigation measures to minimize environmental disruptions. These proactive steps reflect a continuous commitment to safety, security, and the daily well-being of prison personnel, inmates, and neighboring Point Blanche residents while maintaining prison operations.
Mitigations include restricting high-impact demolition and noisy machinery to designated operational windows and ensuring quiet periods to prevent continuous disturbance. The contractor has reinforced active dust control measures on site, including regular water spraying. The contractor has made the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including masks and earplugs, available to both staff and inmates, while maintaining active and frequent communication with prison management. Health and Safety personnel continuously survey and control operations, measure impacts, and tailor responses accordingly.
Delivering a project of this scale within an active correctional environment relies on close collaboration and continuous communication among all partners. Grounded in this coordinated approach, the Ministry of Justice and UNOPS remain committed to delivering a secure, humane, and resilient facility while managing active construction with care, transparency, and operational responsibility.