PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling on Wednesday outlined a wide range of initiatives underway within the justice chain, including immigration reforms, enhanced border security, customs enforcement, prison reintegration efforts, and upcoming international engagements.
Speaking during the Council of Ministers press briefing, Tackling said the government remains focused on strengthening institutions, improving operational systems, and maintaining transparency with the public.
“Transparency cannot only exist when things go wrong. It must also be present in our everyday work,” the minister stated.
KPSM Officers Recognized
Tackling opened her remarks by congratulating several Korps Politie Sint Maarten officers who successfully completed the Hulpofficier van Justitie certification process.
She described the certification as an important step toward improving professionalism and legal competence within the police force.
“A stronger justice chain begins with capable and well-prepared professionals,” she said.
Immigration Department Vacancies Open
The minister also announced several vacancies within Immigration and Border Protection Services (IBPS), including positions for Director of Immigration, Section Head of Border and Mobile Control Unit, and Border Control Officers.
According to Tackling, additional vacancies are expected in the coming months as the government works to strengthen immigration services and border management.
New Border Security Infrastructure
Tackling further revealed that a new firewall system recently arrived on St. Maarten and will soon be installed across the island’s seaport locations.
The upgrade will allow authorities to deploy the same RADx border management system currently used at Princess Juliana International Airport across all seaports.
“For the first time, we can ensure uniformity between the systems being used at the border,” she explained.
Immigration Permit and Exemption Clarifications
The minister reminded residents that temporary permit holders remain responsible for renewing their documents on time.
She clarified that exemption or dispensation letters will only be issued to individuals who already have active immigration applications on file with government.
“If you don’t have an immigration application active with us at that time, you will not receive the exemption,” Tackling stated.
Between May 4 and May 14, authorities refused entry to 31 persons attempting to enter St. Maarten.
The minister also shared updated immigration statistics for 2025, revealing that 4,177 permit applications were submitted, with 3,665 approved, 288 denied, and 217 still pending.
Customs Seizures and Drug Investigations
Tackling highlighted several customs enforcement operations conducted since the start of the year.
Authorities arrested two individuals linked to suspected weapons and narcotics offenses during the first quarter of 2026. One suspect remains incarcerated pending investigation.
Customs officers are also investigating the discovery of approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine aboard an international vessel docked in St. Maarten.
More recently, customs officers arrested a passenger at a marina after suspected marijuana was discovered in baggage during a routine control.
“These operations reflect the continued work being carried out to strengthen border security, combat illegal activity, and protect our borders,” the minister said.
Prison Reform and Reintegration
The minister additionally addressed ongoing rehabilitation and reintegration efforts within the prison system.
Several initiatives supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime are currently focused on education, employability, and second-chance opportunities for inmates.
Tackling encouraged private sector representatives and civil society organizations to participate in upcoming reintegration dialogues scheduled for May 21 and May 26.
“The Ministry believes meaningful reform requires participation from the wider community,” she said.
International Justice Engagements
The minister also announced upcoming participation in two international forums.
Next week, Tackling will attend the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force plenary in Trinidad to discuss St. Maarten’s anti-money laundering progress.
She also confirmed attendance at the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, where St. Maarten has been invited to discuss local justice reforms as a possible regional blueprint.
“These engagements are important because they allow St. Maarten to continue learning, building partnerships, and strengthening our justice system,” Tackling said.
