PHILIPSBURG;--- Judicial and Institutional Services (J&IS), Probation Department successfully hosted a professional exchange program from March 31 to April 4, 2025, welcoming a delegation of professionals from Suriname’s and Netherlands probation services. The week's theme was collaboration and knowledge-sharing around community service (werkstraffen), strongly focusing on practical implementation and regional partnership.
The Surinamese delegation consisted of Charissa Kalloe and Sashni Soekhlall (Probation Officers of Forensic Social Care), Jessica Fredison (Deputy Head of Forensic Social Care), and Mureije Winter (Prosecutor’s Office). Their visit was part in light of the Makandra project, a collaboration between the International Office of Probation Netherlands and Forensic Social Care Suriname (Probation Suriname), that focussed on the introduction and implementation of community services practices and legislation in Suriname.
The Dutch participants were Gisella Conrad (Regional Coordinator of International Office Probation Netherlands ) and Jochum Wildeman (Head of International Office Probation Netherlands), who contributed both expertise and coordination support during this visit.
Program highlights
The week’s program was rich in practical experiences and interactive sessions. Participants joined local J&IS staff in client intake, administration, and supervision of community service projects across multiple Not for Profit working locations. Visits to the Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, and the Office of the Public Prosecutor provided further insight into justice policies and priorities, interagency cooperation on (conditional) sentencing, the role of probation services, and enforcement strategies.
Positive evaluation and Future commitments
Participants described the week as motivating and energizing, expressing that they are returning to Suriname with “inspired with renewed purpose and practical ideas.” They were particularly impressed by the diversity of community service locations on Sint Maarten and the types of meaningful tasks assigned to clients.
In their evaluation, the Surinamese delegation outlined concrete steps they intend to implement back home:
- Documenting before-and-after visuals of community service projects to highlight client contributions and program outcomes
- Collecting and presenting client narratives to support internal learning, evaluation, and advocacy efforts
- Enhancing interagency collaboration between Suriname’s Probation Services and the Prosecutor’s Office through improved information-sharing practices
- Promoting a positive, strengths-based approach in client interactions to foster engagement and accountability
- Proactively identifying, assessing, and securing suitable community service sites and placements tailored to client profiles and community needs
The week concluded with a formal certificate ceremony and expressions of gratitude from both sides. The delegation left the island committed to applying their new insights and continuing the regional exchange of ideas and expertise.
Strengthening regional bonds through Community Service
This exchange forms part of J&IS’ broader rebranding mission under the banner “For Restored and Reconciled Communities.”
Cynthia Filemon, Director of J&IS, stated: “Community service is one of the most tangible ways to show that justice can be restorative rather than purely punitive. When clients repair harm through meaningful work, it helps rebuild trust and create a safer, more connected society. This exchange has shown us that by working together across the region, we can strengthen these efforts, connect professionals, and support people in building better lives.”
J&IS is grateful for the active participation of all delegates and expresses its commitment to ongoing international cooperation. The organization looks forward to continuing these efforts in close partnership with Suriname, the Netherlands, and other justice stakeholders within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
What is Community Service?
Community service is a judicial sanction that enables individuals to make amends for the harm they have caused by using their time and abilities to support meaningful initiatives that serve the community. In St. Maarten, this alternative sanction not only supports rehabilitation but also promotes a sense of responsibility and accountability among those involved. Currently, 23 organizations are registered with the J&IS-Probation Department as community service workplaces, offering a range of placements across different sectors. Individuals may be sentenced to perform up to 240 hours of unpaid work under the supervision of J&IS, ensuring accountability, structure, and support throughout the process.
Organizations interested in partnering as a community service placement site are encouraged to contact the Probation Department via 5264322 or info@sjis-sxm,org to learn more about registration requirements and how they can contribute to positive change.
