Headline News........................................................... ................................. ....www.smn-news.com
21st August, 2008

Upgrading Police Force to be Discussed
---- Commissioners will upgrade themselves---- Something that is Necessary says Dick

Minister of Justice David Dick

Philipsburg:--- The evaluation process for the police force will begin today with the various Lt. Governors as well as interested political leaders said Minister of Justice David Dick. The Minister said he personally does not understand why the evaluation process has the interest of the community since it was agreed upon in the Win Win Agreement. “This is something normal that takes place within any organization and the police force should not be different because of proper organizational plan” Dick said this evaluation is the first of its kind within the Windward Islands since the island is facing its constitutional process.

Asked if he is planning to send away both police commissioners to upgrade themselves  educationally? The Minister of Justice said he would like to know where the union got this type of information from and why they did not contact him instead of the media. He further explained that both police commissioners do have plans to further educate themselves but they would not be leaving the island during the same period of time. “The idea is not to only invest in Pannflek and Doran but we are going to invest in the entire police force mainly with those that have potentials so that there can be proper management for the local police force.”

The Minister explained this is something they will be discussing today. “We need to be responsible when dealing with these matters, the concerns of the union is out of place because I have not yet discussed with the unions as well as the police. He admitted that the officers would be leaving within short to continue their studies but this is something good. We need to invest in our people if want champions then we need to train our people” One idea is to have local officers train in other countries so they can see what other police force are doing in combating crime, and whatever they learn it can be implemented on St. Maarten.

Asked if he intended to fill the vacant positions with other “Dutch” instead of promoting the older officers, the minister said matters have to be handled properly by looking to see who are really qualified. He confirmed he will not be patronizing with anyone, because they are his friends. He added if he had to put someone in a position on a temporary basis then he did not mind but procedures must be followed in cases with full time placements. “My intention is to make this organization mature with my assistance, and I am promoting proper management on St. Maarten.” The minister said.

Escalation of Crime Compulsory Education

With the increase in criminal activities the Minister admitted he is concerned about the rising crime rate but said that everyone on St. Maarten has to work hand in hand. “I do believe that crime is not committed by those in the justice system instead it is committed by the population and they too should be concerned. If they  want to talk about total security then we need to focus on the type of people that are brought into St. Maarten, and education”. The Minister said this is one of the main reasons he wants to invest more in the police and have people that are fully qualified. This matter has to be handled structurally by having more qualified police officers as well as dealing with the matter of immigration.
Asked how he plans to deal with Immigration since it is hindering the implementation of compulsory education. The Minister said that they are working on upgrading the immigration structure since they just recently signed a convention for more funding. However, this matter he said cannot be handled single handedly by the immigration department since the labor department is deeply involved in the granting of working permits. “While the police is busy picking up illegal immigrants you have employers who are employing them. Controls need to be done within the labor market to filter out illegal employment. The police cannot do this alone, ‘this is like working with an open faucet, we will do our part but others must do theirs”. The Minister emphasized the police cannot solve the problem alone.

“Every child is entitled to education despite their status; and I don’t want anyone to contradict me on this matter. All children have the right to education and those that are residing on the island illegally should be sent home together with their parents. I don’t believe police should be picking children in schools but their parents must be sought out and they all must leave the island.” The Minister said that this matter has to be handled ethically. He said he people cannot think they can constantly break the laws and the justice system has to do the repairs.

No Price Tag Given To Government For Mary's Fancy

DP Will Re-Appoint Buncamper Molanus

Sundial School Given Healthcare 101

DISCLAIMER

Due to among other things, time-constraint and being a small entrepreneur with limited financial- & professional human resources, we are not always able to edit our articles/documents properly, which might therefore contain typographical-, or grammatical mistakes. We apologize for such, but will continue to improve as time progresses.

Meanwhile, we welcome you pointing out any such mistakes to us as we continue to strive for the best.