PHILIPSBURG: --- The Government of St. Martin has marked a significant week of progress in its justice reform program with two major initiatives. A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new Point Blanche prison, a $52 million project aimed at modernizing the nation's detention infrastructure. In a separate development, the Ministry of Justice signed a key agreement to provide legal aid to individuals under involuntary mental health admission.
The construction of the new prison facility is a joint investment between the governments of St. Martin and the Netherlands. Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling described the project as "much more than infrastructure," emphasizing its role in promoting safety, dignity, and rehabilitation. The initiative is a cornerstone of a broader effort to restore public confidence in the justice system.
The state-of-the-art facility will more than double the current capacity and is designed to meet modern correctional standards. It will include dedicated spaces for health care services, mental health support, vocational training, and family visitations. The project also prioritizes resilience, with the structure engineered to withstand Category 5 hurricanes and seismic activity, ensuring a 50-year lifespan.
Construction is set to unfold in two phases. The first is expected to be completed by June 2027, with the second phase following in 2028. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) will remain on the island until 2029 to oversee the project and ensure the facility operates smoothly.
Beyond the physical structure, the project is expected to deliver a considerable economic boost. The construction phase will employ over 100 workers daily and will actively involve local suppliers and subcontractors, contributing to local economic activity and skills development. Minister Tackling also noted that comprehensive reform efforts, including staff training and inmate rehabilitation programs, are already underway.
In a move to enhance human rights protections, Minister Tackling also announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA). This agreement addresses a critical gap in the legal system by guaranteeing legal support for individuals placed under involuntary mental health admission.
This interim measure ensures that vulnerable persons, who may be unable to advocate for themselves, receive legal representation, similar to the support provided in criminal cases. The MOU was developed in response to a motion from Parliament and serves as a bridge while formal legislation is finalized.
"The same way that we provide a lawyer to those in criminal cases, we should also be providing lawyers as a government to those individuals who are unable to speak for themselves," stated Minister Tackling. The agreement establishes a cost-sharing plan between the ministries to fund this essential service.
These two milestones signal a holistic approach to justice reform in St. Maarten's, balancing critical infrastructure upgrades with a firm commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all citizens.

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.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Wednesday, during the Council of Ministers press briefing, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling took the opportunity to clarify ongoing concerns about insurance coverage for justice workers, an issue that has sparked significant debate and misinformation in recent weeks. The Minister emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and rights of justice workers, while also providing transparency on the steps being taken to resolve the matter.

Legal Protections for Justice Workers

Minister Tackling began by reiterating that under Article 114 of the Rechtpositie Law (legal position), justice workers, particularly police officers, are legally protected. This means that if an officer is injured or killed while lawfully performing their duties, the government of St. Maarten is legally obligated to provide compensation. The Minister stressed that this obligation exists regardless of whether an insurance policy is in place.

"The insurance does not create the rights of the worker. The right of the worker comes from the law," she stated. Insurance, she explained, is merely a tool the government uses to manage financial risk in the event of unforeseen incidents.

Background on the Insurance Lapse

The lapse in insurance coverage for justice workers dates back to October 2022, when the then Council of Ministers decided to limit insurance coverage to frontline, high-risk functions. The government also committed to bearing the full cost of this insurance. However, as the Ministry of Justice prepared a tender for a new insurance policy in 2023, it became evident that the policy decision was not fully aligned with the draft being negotiated. This misalignment delayed the tender process until a formal agreement with the unions was reached in the third quarter of 2023. By that time, the previous insurance policy had already expired.

In 2024, the Ministry of Justice conducted an inventory of frontline personnel to be covered and explored funding options, including the Crime Fund. However, the Ministry of Finance denied the request to use the Crime Fund for insurance purposes, necessitating a budgetary reservation that further delayed the process.

Focus on 2026 Coverage

Minister Nathalie outlined the government's current approach, which aims to secure insurance coverage for frontline, high-risk workers by 2026. She clarified that the insurance is intended to hedge and leverage the government's liability, rather than to establish individual rights for employees.

"Not because you wear a uniform means that you are a frontline worker," the Minister explained, highlighting the importance of identifying and prioritizing those in high-risk roles, such as police officers, national detectives, immigration border control, prison workers, and court guardianship staff.

Ongoing Efforts and Next Steps

Since late 2024, the Ministry of Justice has been working to publish a new tender for insurance coverage. The Ministry has sought assistance from SOAB  to conduct the tender process, obtain quotes, and assess the financial implications. The goal is to ensure that all frontline, high-risk workers within the Ministry are covered by 2026.

The Minister also emphasized the government's broader responsibility under civil law to compensate civil servants for any harm or costs incurred in the line of duty. However, she reiterated the importance of leveraging insurance to manage risk and ensure financial sustainability.

Conclusion

While the issue of insurance for justice workers has been contentious, Minister Tackling's address provided much-needed clarity and reassurance. The government remains committed to protecting its justice workers and is actively working to resolve the insurance coverage gap. With plans underway to secure comprehensive coverage for frontline workers by 2026, the Ministry of Justice is taking concrete steps to address this critical issue.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labour (VSA) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being and quality of life for the people of Saint-Martin. However, recent developments surrounding the ban on the Chief of Staff, Sueanah Laville Martis, have posed significant challenges to the Ministry's operations and its ability to execute its responsibilities effectively.

A Critical Role Disrupted

The Chief of Staff is not just another member of the cabinet; this position is the backbone of the Ministry's strategic and operational framework. Acting as the Minister's confidant and possessing a "helicopter view" of the Ministry's activities, the Chief of Staff is instrumental in coordinating efforts, streamlining processes, and ensuring that the Ministry's vision is translated into actionable outcomes. The absence of this key figure has created a deep void across all levels of the Ministry.

Minister Richinel Brug has openly acknowledged the toll this situation has taken on the Ministry. "You're not talking about just someone in a cabinet as a driver. You're talking about your Chief of Staff, the person who has the helicopter view as your confidant," the Minister stated. This disruption has undoubtedly affected the Ministry's ability to function at its full potential, particularly in a time when the community's needs are pressing and multifaceted.

Operational Challenges

The ban on the Chief of Staff has introduced a new dynamic to the Ministry's workflow. While efforts have been made to adapt to the situation, the absence of the Chief of Staff's physical presence and direct involvement has slowed decision-making and hindered the seamless execution of plans.

The Minister has emphasized that the Chief of Staff continues to work remotely through a platform, but this arrangement is far from ideal. The lack of in-person collaboration and the inability to access government buildings, including community centers and VSA help desks, have created logistical hurdles that impact the Ministry's efficiency.

Commitment to Service Amidst Adversity

Despite these challenges, the Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to serving the people of Sint Maarten. Minister Brug has reiterated that the work must continue, even under difficult circumstances. The Ministry has been proactive in implementing pre-planned initiatives, such as expanding community services through VSA help desks.

This move aims to bring government services closer to the people, ensuring accessibility and fostering a stronger connection between the government and its citizens.

However, the timing of this initiative has drawn criticism, with some questioning its feasibility given the current situation. Minister Brug has defended the decision, stating that the Ministry had planned these steps well in advance and is determined to follow through on its commitments. "We are making the best out of the situation," the Minister affirmed, highlighting the resilience and dedication of the Ministry's team.

The Need for Resolution

The ongoing investigation into the Chief of Staff situation has left many questions unanswered. Minister Brug has expressed a desire for clarity and a swift resolution to this matter, emphasizing the importance of closing this chapter to restore normalcy and focus on the Ministry's mission. The uncertainty surrounding the investigation and its impact on the Ministry's operations underscores the need for transparency and accountability in addressing this issue.

Moving Forward

The ban on the Chief of Staff has undoubtedly placed a strain on the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labour. However, it has also highlighted the resilience and determination of the Ministry's leadership and staff. As the investigation unfolds, the people of Saint-Maarten can take solace in the fact that their government remains committed to addressing their needs and improving their quality of life.

Minister Brug's unwavering dedication to his role and his community serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, progress is possible. The Ministry's efforts to adapt and innovate during this challenging time are a testament to its commitment to serving the people of Saint-Martin with integrity and purpose.