~Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling Highlights Key International Visits to Strengthen St. Martin’s Justice System~
PHILIPSBURG:--- In the press briefing on Wednesday, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling shared insights from her international work visits, which aimed to advance justice sector reforms, deepen cooperation, and secure long-term support for St. Martin’s institutions. These visits, spanning Trinidad, Strasbourg, and the Netherlands, were pivotal in addressing critical issues and fostering partnerships to strengthen the island’s justice system.
Trinidad: Combating Financial Crimes
Minister Tackling began her international engagements with a trip to Trinidad on May 26th to attend the 60th plenary of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). The meeting assessed St. Martin’s progress in combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and related financial crimes. The evaluation, covering the period from 2019 to 2023, measured both technical compliance and effectiveness.
“The evaluation showed improvement in several areas, but it also made clear that we still have a lot of work ahead of us,” Minister Tackling stated. She emphasized the importance of targeted actions to strengthen supervisory bodies, align strategies with regional partners, and advance the national risk-based action plan. The next report is due in May 2026, and the Minister assured the public that her team is committed to making significant progress.
Minister Tackling highlighted the importance of attending the plenary in person, noting that it provided valuable insights into how other countries address financial crimes. “Financial crime is not just a technical issue; it’s about trust, safety, and opportunity for our people,” she remarked.
Strasbourg: Upholding Human Rights
From June 10th to 12th, Minister Tackling traveled to Strasbourg to address the Committee of Ministers for the Council of Europe. This marked the first time a St. Maarten Minister of Justice attended the session in person, a move that the Council widely appreciated.
The discussions centered around the Corallo case, a 2018 judgment by the European Court of Human Rights concerning detention conditions in St. Martin. Minister Tackling reaffirmed St. Maarten’s commitment to compliance, not just in word but in action. She provided updates on the new prison project, collaboration with the UN, and the restoration of key programs.
“More importantly, our work is not just about ticking boxes. It’s about restoring dignity and institutional trust in the prison itself,” she stated. The Minister also held meetings with various Council of Europe bodies, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and the Directorate of Human Rights, to explore further cooperation.
The Netherlands: Strengthening Partnerships
During her visit to the Netherlands, Minister Tackling engaged in high-level discussions about justice sector programs and strategies. She also combined this visit with her trip to Strasbourg, maximizing the opportunity to address multiple issues.
The Minister expressed gratitude to the Dutch Ambassador and the delegates of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their assistance during her trip. She emphasized the importance of leveraging partnerships within the Kingdom to address shared challenges.
A Unified Vision for Justice
Minister Tackling concluded her reflections by emphasizing that these international engagements are not isolated events but part of a broader strategy to strengthen St. Maarten’s justice system. “Each trip was a deliberate step toward reinforcing the justice system that our people deserve—one rooted in transparency, accountability, dignity, and resilience,” she said.
With the 2025 budget approved, the Minister is optimistic about delivering the reforms and improvements necessary to build a justice system that effectively serves the people of St. Maarten.