PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Justice has officially launched the construction of the new Point Blanche Prison, marking a major milestone within the Detention Sector Reform Program and a decisive step toward strengthening Sint Maarten’s justice system and improving detention conditions.
The construction project, implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) forms part of the broader Detention Sector reform Program led by the Ministry of Justice. It represents a joint investment of USD 52 million from the Government of Sint Maarten and the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations of the Netherlands. The new facility will be modern, resilient, and sustainable. It is designed to meet the highest international standards and ensure safe, humane, and dignified conditions for prison staff and those incarcerated.

Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling underscored the significance of the moment:
“This groundbreaking marks a long-awaited turning point in the reform of Sint Maarten’s detention system. It speaks to our responsibility to the people who live, work within, and are affected by that system every day: our prison staff, our inmates, and the wider community. The launch of the construction of the new Point Blanche Prison reflects our commitment to safety, dignity, and rehabilitation. This facility represents a future built on fair second chances, stronger institutions, and detention conditions that uphold international standards, ensuring justice is served with humanity, integrity, and purpose.”

The new prison will cover approximately 10,000 square meters and feature a four-story main building, more than doubling the country’s current detention capacity with space for up to 196 inmates. The design includes healthcare facilities, a basic mental health unit, family visitation areas, indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, workshops, and classrooms for vocational training such as carpentry, welding, and mechanics. These components support a rehabilitation-centered approach aligned with international detention standards, incorporating social, gender, environmental, and sustainability considerations.
While today’s focus is on the groundbreaking of the infrastructure, the Ministry of Justice and its partners continue to advance other key pillars of the Detention Sector Reform Program. The reform has never been about infrastructure alone. The soft components, including staff training, leadership development, rehabilitation programming, education, mental health support, and reintegration initiatives, are already underway.

These efforts ensure that meaningful change within the detention system does not wait for the completion of a new facility, and remain just as essential as what is being built today.
The facility is engineered to withstand Category 5 hurricanes and seismic activity, using reinforced concrete and corrosion-resistant materials suited for coastal environments. Natural ventilation and energy-efficient design principles are integrated to enhance long-term resilience and sustainability.
Dalila Gonçalves, UNOPS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, stated:
“Today, we are laying more than the first stone of a building; we are laying the foundation for a more humane, resilient, and forward-looking justice system in Sint Maarten. This project reflects the commitment to dignity, rehabilitation, and the rule of law that the Ministry of Justice has, demonstrating that safe detention conditions and respect for human rights can and must go hand in hand. UNOPS is proud to support the Government of Sint Maarten in delivering infrastructure that improves inmates' living conditions, strengthens institutions, and serves the country for generations to come.”

Construction is expected to take approximately 3 years and will employ an average of more than 100 workers per day, combining local labor with international expertise. As one of the most significant public infrastructure projects in the coming years, it will engage local suppliers, subcontractors, and service providers, contributing meaningfully to economic activity.
UNOPS has contracted Artelia JV as the supervising engineer and CESAF JV as the contractor. Both companies will prioritize local engagement, skills development, and knowledge transfer while delivering the high-technology systems required for a modern correctional facility.
The launch of construction reaffirms the Ministry of Justice’s leadership and commitment to delivering a safe, modern, and rehabilitation-oriented detention system that upholds the rule of law and the dignity of all individuals in Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on January 16, 2025.

The Central Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:
Nature Policy Plan Sint Maarten 2025-2029 (IS/365/2025-2026 dated November 18, 2025)

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament

PHILIPSBURG:--- Lyndon Lewis, Member of Parliament  and Vice Chair of the Justice Committee, has voiced serious concerns over the recent announcement by the Minister of Justice regarding the completion of “Phase One.” His concerns follow a press release issued by the NAPB union and feedback from justice workers, which suggests a significant disconnect between the official announcement and the reality on the ground.
According to the union’s press release and corroborated reports from justice workers, many employees are still awaiting their official decrees despite the declaration that “Phase One” has been completed. Additionally, several justice workers who have received their decrees have filed formal objections but have yet to receive any response from the Ministry.

“When public announcements are made, they must reflect the actual situation. Right now, I’m confused because many active employees have reportedly received no communication from the Ministry regarding their placement within the organization,” MP Lewis stated. “The concerns raised by the unions highlight a clear gap between what has been announced and what justice workers are experiencing.”

MP Lewis emphasized that premature or misleading declarations risk confusing the public and eroding trust among justice workers. He stressed the importance of honest, timely, and transparent communication, particularly on matters that directly impact the careers and livelihoods of justice workers.
“Justice workers are essential to upholding the rule of law, and their concerns must be treated with the seriousness and respect they deserve. Processes involving their employment status, decrees, or objections must be handled with diligence, accountability, and fairness,” he added.

In response to these concerns, MP Lewis confirmed that he has formally requested a meeting with the relevant authorities to seek clarification on the status of “Phase One.” The meeting aims to address the issues raised by the unions and ensure that justice workers are treated in accordance with proper procedures.
Reaffirming his commitment to justice workers and the people of Sint Maarten, MP Lewis pledged to continue advocating for transparency, accountability, and integrity in public governance. “I stand firmly with justice workers and the people of Sint Maarten. Their voices must be heard, and their concerns must be addressed,” he concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA), in collaboration with the Simpson Bay Fireworks Association, is pleased to reflect on the successful execution of Crew Year’s Eve 2026, held on Friday, January 9, in Simpson Bay.
Crew Year’s Eve once again proved to be a highlight on St. Maarten’s maritime calendar, bringing together yacht crew, marine professionals, residents, and visitors for an evening celebrating the island’s vibrant marine community. The festivities culminated in a spectacular fireworks display at 10:00 PM, lighting up the Simpson Bay skyline and creating a memorable moment for attendees both on land and on the water.
Beyond the celebration itself, Crew Year’s Eve generated a noticeable positive ripple effect across the island’s economy. Restaurants and bars experienced increased activity throughout the evening, while visitors and tourists actively sought information about the event, reinforcing St. Maarten’s reputation as a lively and welcoming destination. The timing of Crew Year’s Eve also encouraged many visitors to extend their holiday stays, allowing for greater flexibility in travel plans and contributing to sustained economic activity beyond the traditional holiday period. This extended engagement highlights the value of the event not only to the maritime sector, but to the wider tourism and hospitality industries on the island.
Following the strong turnout and enthusiastic response, the SMMTA is proud to see Crew Year’s Eve continue to grow as a meaningful moment of appreciation for the hard-working crews and marine businesses that contribute year-round to St. Maarten’s reputation as a leading yachting and maritime destination.
In addition to the main fireworks celebration, several marinas hosted events open to the maritime community and the wider public, further enhancing the island-wide atmosphere. Palapa Marina welcomed guests with a vibrant Gatsby-themed celebration, while Isle de Sol Marina and Yacht Club port de Plaisance also hosted themed events, reinforcing the inclusive and collaborative spirit that defines Crew Year’s Eve.
The SMMTA extends its sincere appreciation to the event partners and sponsors whose support made Crew Year’s Eve 2026 possible: IGY Marinas, Yacht Club Port de Plaisance, Palapa Marina, Port of St. Maarten, Skyport Marina, Simpson Bay Resort, Nowhere Special, ProServ Marine, Island Water World, NAPA, BWA Yachting, Carrefour, Steve Coetzer, PDG Supplies, and Bluwater Construction.
Their commitment reflects the strength of collaboration within the marine sector and a shared pride in celebrating the people who power it.
The Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association thanks all partners, marinas, sponsors, and attendees for contributing to a safe, festive, and successful Crew Year’s Eve 2026 and looks forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.