PHILIPSBUG:--- The recent riot at Sint Maarten's central correctional facility (Pointe Blanche Prison) has brought to light troubling shortcomings in the island's justice system. Member of Parliament Omar Ottley has addressed Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling with a detailed series of pressing concerns and questions, underscoring the urgency of reforming the nation’s prison system. The unresolved issues surrounding the riot, chronic overcapacity, and the general vulnerability of the Ministry of Justice have left both the inmates and the nation’s justice framework in a precarious state.

MP Ottley has demanded clarity on key matters ranging from the handling of the prison fire to broader systemic challenges. His concerns are rooted not only in practical policy issues but also in adherence to international human rights obligations.

Unanswered Questions About the Prison Fire

The recent fire at the prison raises critical concerns about management and preparedness. MP Ottley seeks clarity on several points:

• What exactly caused the riot, and has the root cause been resolved?
• When was the Minister informed about the unrest, and how quickly was an emergency team dispatched to the site?
• What is the officially required guard-to-inmate ratio, and how does the current ratio compare?

Simpson Bay, an unsuitable facility due to its lack of natural daylight, was reopened to accommodate inmates after the fire. MP Ottley questioned how many prisoners were transferred there, whether these were sentenced inmates or those in pre-detention, and what legal basis justified their transfer. He noted that past reports highlighted Simpson Bay’s inadequacy for housing inmates.

Furthermore, Ottley questioned the decision to suspend visitation rights, particularly when the riot was seemingly under control by the same day. He also inquired about the transfer of female inmates, even though they were not affected by the incident.

Central to MP Ottley’s critique is the acknowledgement that inmates are human beings deserving of dignity and fair treatment. He cited international covenants, such as the ICCPR, Convention Against Torture (CAT), and UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules), as benchmarks for required conduct. He raised alarm at possible violations of these standards, including the handling of evacuation during the fire, inadequate medical treatment, and restrictions on family contact.

Crisis of Prison Overcapacity

The fire exposed deeper issues related to the structural and operational capacities of the prison system. MP Ottley called for both immediate and long-term solutions to the overcrowding crisis, which has severe implications for human rights.

He pressed for short-term measures, such as the use of regional partnerships with Curacao and Aruba. He also highlighted the apparent lack of adherence to standards outlined by the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), which include acceptable cell space, hygiene, food provisions, day programs, and medical care.

Ottley urged the Minister to leverage existing legislation, such as Article 1:37 of the Criminal Code, which allows for conditional early release to alleviate overcrowding. He also advocated for the revival of electronic monitoring policies (e-detention) as a way to reduce the pressure on physical facilities.

Additionally, he called attention to practices in territories like Aruba, where sentence discounts have been introduced to reduce prison population pressures. Sentence reductions for factors such as rehabilitation efforts or non-violent offenders could serve as a model for Sint Maarten. MP Ottley urged the Minister to reconsider reintroducing ankle bracelet policies for non-violent offenders to promote humane alternatives to detention.

Highlighting discrepancies in the system, Ottley criticized the forced release of detainees by the prosecutor’s office after only ten days due to the lack of space. He described this situation as a failure of the Ministry to take necessary action, emphasizing the urgent need for immediate reforms.

Strengthening the Ministry of Justice

Beyond the challenges specific to the prisons, MP Ottley focused on the broader vulnerabilities within the Ministry of Justice. He highlighted a lack of progress on recommendations made by the Kingdom Council for Law Enforcement in 2018, and earlier critiques by the CPT in 2014. These recommendations called for coherent strategies to combat overcrowding and reform policies on community sanctions, conditional release, and reintegration.

MP Ottley further questioned whether the Ministry plans to decriminalize or reclassify certain offenses, such as minor marijuana-related crimes. He highlighted that a rational distribution of prison capacity could significantly reduce strain on the system, particularly by applying community-based sanctions for non-violent offenses instead of custodial sentences.

Training for prison personnel emerged as another area of concern. Ottley inquired about past and planned training programs and requested clarity on the timeline for finalizing the legal position (LB) of prison personnel. Delays in addressing the guard’s legal framework have reportedly inhibited career growth and prompted dissatisfaction among staff. Ottley emphasized that any adjustments must account for years of service and increased responsibilities.

A Call for Accountability and Immediate Action

MP Ottley’s demands encompass not just solutions for specific incidents but a vision for lasting reform. He urged the Minister to address capacity and resource challenges, uphold international human rights standards, and implement policies that build a fairer and more effective justice system.

The challenges facing Sint Maarten’s prisons are not new, nor are they unique to the island. However, as the recent riot demonstrates, inaction can have disastrous and far-reaching consequences. MP Ottley’s appeal to the Minister of Justice is more than a critique; it is a roadmap for urgently needed change. His questions demand answers, his concerns merit action, and his proposals outline steps toward a more humane and just prison system.

As the nation looks to its leaders, the Ministry of Justice must rise to the occasion. The prison system should reflect not only the need for safety and order but also the values of dignity, rehabilitation, and respect for human rights. The time for change is now.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament (MP) Lyndon Lewis raised a series of pressing issues during his remarks in Parliament, commending Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling for her proactive measures while emphasizing the need for greater accountability and comprehensive strategies across various sectors under her purview.

Commendation Coupled with Concern

MP Lewis began by acknowledging the Minister's swift actions in managing recent developments. However, he expressed ongoing concern about the high crime rate and the perception among offenders that consequences remain negligible. This, he argued, continues to erode public trust in the justice system. While Lewis noted progress within the justice chain, he called for a more holistic approach that tackles socio-economic contributors to crime, including poverty, lack of education, and limited opportunities for youth.

"Crime not only burdens our economy but profoundly impacts future generations," Lewis stated, urging the Council of Ministers to adopt a unified strategy. He questioned whether other Ministers have actively addressed these root causes and pressed for stronger inter-ministerial collaboration.

Immigration Challenges For Stateless Youth

The MP highlighted a critical human rights issue regarding children born in the country to undocumented foreign parents. At age 18, these individuals often face statelessness or lack legal documentation, leaving them ineligible for permanent residency or lawful employment. Lewis stressed that this "state of limbo" demands immediate attention. He called for targeted research to examine root causes and emphasized long-term investments in opportunities, education, counseling, and job creation to secure the future of marginalized youth.

Increase in Domestic Violence Cases

Another area of significant concern for MP Lewis was the rise in domestic violence, particularly among young women. Citing deficiencies in the current justice system, he lamented that many cases are dismissed or delayed unless severe physical harm is evident. Lewis called for enhanced efforts in awareness campaigns, victim support systems, and the prioritization of domestic violence cases. Additionally, he questioned the availability of offender rehabilitation programs such as anger management and reconciliation initiatives and asked for clarity on existing measures to address these issues.

Prison System in Crisis

MP Lewis turned his attention to troubling developments in the nation's prison system, raising questions about recent incidents and long-term management. Referring to damage sustained during a recent prison riot, he called for transparency regarding the timeline and next steps for repairs, along with the Ministry's interim contingency plan.

Reports of prison guards abandoning their posts during the riot on orders from their superior were also brought to light, with Lewis requesting confirmation of the claims and accountability measures. Furthermore, the MP pressed the Minister on the speculation that lapses in insurance coverage contributed to the crisis.

Questions about the proposed $ 65-million prison restoration project were raised, including its timeline and current status. Lewis also criticized the Minister’s decision to reinstate the interim prison director, questioning their qualifications and past performance. He called for a clear plan moving forward regarding the appointment of prison management leadership.

Detailed Questions on Prison Management

Under this subheading, MP Lewis presented a suite of pointed questions related to current issues within the prison system. These inquiries included the timeline for restoring damage sustained during the recent prison incident and whether a formal assessment has been completed. He further questioned what interim measures were in place, such as the possible use of cells on other islands, and sought details on the associated budgetary implications.

MP Lewis also raised concerns about reported orders from a superior for prison guards to abandon their posts during the riot, requesting confirmation of these claims. Speculation that a gap in insurance coverage might have contributed to the crisis led him to ask what steps are being taken to address this issue.

The lawmaker called for transparency about the grievances or conditions that provoked the riot and how these events might impact the $65-million prison facility reconstruction project. He queried whether the Ministry remains on schedule for the restoration and urged elaboration on the reasons for any delays.

Highlighting his prior recommendation for a change in prison leadership due to past issues under the interim director’s tenure, including misconduct and security breaches, Lewis questioned the Minister's rationale for reinstating this individual without a formal evaluation. He pressed her on her plans for addressing issues within the prison management team, emphasizing the need for more effective leadership.

Insurance Coverage for Law Enforcement

Addressing the safety of frontline law enforcement officers, Lewis underscored the Minister's responsibility to ensure proper insurance coverage for those risking their lives daily. He inquired whether the prison facility was insured and sought updates on the insurance coverage approved under Article 114, Chapter 10 of the Rechtspositie Politie.

Controversies Over National Decrees

One of the more contentious issues raised involved national decrees affecting justice workers. Lewis criticized delays in their processing and questioned the legality and efficiency of measures implemented by the Minister. He expressed concerns that the new processes could inadvertently strip justice workers of their legal right to object to decrees. He noted that this has caused further delays in remedying wage discrepancies.

He also raised a series of questions about the outsourcing of validations to the SOAB (the government auditor), including how personnel files are handled and the associated costs. Additionally, MP Lewis asked for confirmation on reports that Batch 13 of decrees was returned by the Governor and requested clarification on certification deficiencies delaying its progress.

Demand for Leadership and Accountability

Concluding his remarks, MP Lyndon Lewis emphasized that the safety and well-being of citizens and law enforcement officers should rise above political considerations. He called for strong, accountable, and proactive leadership to address the pressing concerns in justice, law enforcement, and prison management.

While commending Minister Tackling's initial efforts, the MP’s pointed queries signal a demand for greater transparency and an urgent call to action in addressing systemic issues and restoring public confidence.

Fifty projects in the running for Oranje Fonds prize

As of today, people can vote for which social organization deserves an Appeltje van Oranje. Ten organizations from the Caribbean are contenders. They are organizations that are active in Curacao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, and Saba. Voting is possible until May 28th via stem.oranjefonds.nl, where an overview of all candidates can be found. Oranje Fonds awards three Appeltjes van Oranje annually to social organizations that matter to others.

Indispensable Links

The theme of this edition of the Appeltjes van Oranje is Indispensable Links. Organizations that are indispensable in their village, district, city or neighbourhood could enrol themselves. Oranje Fonds is looking for organizations which notice gaps, which register that something is missing in the environment and which provide a solution. That is why they are indispensable; indispensable for those they support, but also indispensable for the governments and partners they work with. With their approach, they build a bridge between the municipality, (care) institutions, other volunteer organizations and the people who need their support, which means they have more impact.

Ten-day voting period and pitch day

Via the special voting website, people can vote for one of fifty candidates throughout the kingdom of the Netherlands. The public determines which organization with the most votes qualifies directly as a nominee. The other candidates present themselves to each other and to a jury in June during a pitch day. The jury ultimately determines which nine organizations will also receive a nomination. Of these ten nominees, three will receive an Appeltje van Oranje in October.

Appeltjes van Oranje

Oranje Fonds awards the Appeltjes van Oranje, the prize for initiatives that matter, annually. The prize rewards three initiatives that are committed to an inclusive, involved society. Initiatives that are unique, creative and meaningful and have been active for at least two years are eligible. An Appeltje van Oranje gives an organization appreciation for their work and dedication. The theme of the Appeltjes changes every year.

The prize consists of a bronze statue designed and made by Princess Beatrix and a sum of 25,000 euros. This money can be spent freely within the objective of the winning initiative. Every year, Queen Máxima awards the three Appeltjes van Oranje at Paleis Noordeinde. More information: www.oranjefonds.nl/appeltjes

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The application process for the annual Hurricane Passes for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season that started on April 14 will conclude on May 30. Documents to request a pass (s) should be submitted by May 30.

There are two types of passes, the Disaster Pass and the Hurricane Pass.  No passes will be issued to business owners, only with some exemption categories as noted below.

The pass allows the bearer to access the public road to visit the place of business to assess possible damage to the property.  No company passes will be accepted during curfew hours.  This can only take place during certain hours that will be stipulated and announced by the Prime Minister in a curfew situation.

Disaster Passes are issued to the following crucial disaster relief organizations and are valid for three years.  The disaster relief organization consists of the following: Emergency Operations Center staff, Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) staff, Crucial governmental organizations, and entities involved in disaster management such as medical institutions, general practitioners and pharmacies, Red Cross, WIEMS, White & Yellow Cross Foundation, National Security Service VDSM, Sea Rescue, Shelter Management, Ministers, and their drivers.

The following categories qualify for a Hurricane Pass which is valid for two-years: Essential Government personnel without a disaster pass; Essential personnel of crucial companies or organizations: NV GEBE, Seven Seas Water, Telecom and Internet providers, Princess Juliana International Airport, Port St. Maarten, Hotels and Guesthouses, Marinas, Fuel distributors and gas stations, Commercial banks, Hardware stores, Security companies (supervisors only), Medium and large sized supermarkets, Restaurants (those providing food services to emergency services), Importers and Wholesale Companies for perishable goods (Only requests can be submitted for refrigeration and or generator technicians).

The crucial organizations listed above (disaster & hurricane passes) can request personal passes for their key personnel.

The Office of Disaster Management that falls under the Ministry of General Affairs is handling the application process for the passes on behalf of the Prime Minister.

The Hurricane Pass is valid for the 2025 and 2026 hurricane seasons and will remain the property of the Government of Sint Maarten.

Please note that company passes from the following institutions, Sint Maarten Medical Center and White & Yellow Cross Foundation, will be accepted during curfew hours.

The pass system is a mechanism to maintain public order during emergency situations.  The Prime Minister assesses the damage in conjunction with Emergency Disaster Management entities of the Government after a disaster has occurred and can impose a curfew if the extent of the damage poses a threat to the safety and security of the community.

An application form can be requested by sending an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  Emails should include the following: Name of business or organization; A short description of activities of the business or the organization; Request for either disaster or hurricane pass.

When submitting the application, the following documents need to be attached:

-      copy business license fee paid (or receipt) for 2025 for businesses.

-      proof of 2025 registration at the Chamber of Commerce, for organizations.

-      copy valid Sint Maarten ID-card of applicant.

-      Nafl. 50,- in leges stamps per application (to be obtained at the Receiver’s Office or the Simpson Bay Public Service Center), this is a non-refundable handling fee; a copy of a digital payment transfer is accepted as well.

-      One (1) passport picture for new applicants, to be sent in JPEG-format to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the name of the person clearly indicated.

The application form has to be completed and submitted to the offices of the Fire Department & Disaster Management – in print form, to the attention of the secretary located at Jackal Road 5 (Office hours Monday-Friday 9.00AM to 4.00PM), Cay Hill, by Friday, May 30, 2025, with all necessary documents attached.

Applicants will be informed by email or telephone when to pick up the pass at the aforementioned address.