~Justice Minister Addresses Pointe Blanche Prison Challenges in Budget Meeting~

PHILIPSBURG:---  During the Central Committee meeting on the second draft budget for 2025, Acting Minister of Justice Marinka Gumbs presented detailed responses regarding the ongoing challenges at the Pointe Blanche Prison. Stepping in for Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, who was off island, Gumbs addressed pressing questions from Members of Parliament (MPs) concerning the state of the prison, recent court rulings, financial implications, and both immediate and long-term strategies for improvement.

Court Ruling Sparks Urgent Action on Detention

A court ruling issued on June 9, 2025, declared that any detention longer than ten days in police holding cells violates Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights due to inhumane conditions. The Ministry was ordered to either transfer detainees back to the Pointe Blanche Prison within 24 hours or face steep fines ranging between NAf 5,000 and NAf 50,000 per day. Acting Minister Gumbs confirmed that all detainees had been transferred in compliance with the ruling, avoiding the court-imposed penalties.

The ruling brought renewed attention to the longstanding issues at the Pointe Blanche facility, which suffered extensive damage during a riot and fire on May 14, 2025. These events further exacerbated the dire conditions that have drawn criticism from international human rights organizations and local stakeholders.

Financial Strain and Emergency Budget Allocations

Gumbs highlighted the financial challenges posed by the prison crisis, revealing that NAf 275,919 has already been allocated for initial recovery efforts. However, she acknowledged that the full cost of the fire-related damages and the broader rehabilitation of Pointe Blanche is still being assessed.

Funding shortfalls are a major concern, with emergency costs being managed through the reallocation of resources within the Ministry’s 2025 budget. External financial assistance is being sought, but Gumbs emphasized that Kingdom partners have conditioned their support on Sint Maarten first exhausting its own budgetary options.

The fire has also highlighted inadequacies in long-term planning for prison operations, particularly in terms of staffing, maintenance funding, and inmate rehabilitation programs.

External Support and Partnerships

To stabilize the situation, Sint Maarten has leaned heavily on external support. Dutch Marines, along with officers from Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire, were deployed to assist following the riot. These deployments formed part of a cooperative Kingdom Agreement, with some costs absorbed by Aruba as an act of solidarity. However, Sint Maarten remains responsible for covering most costs related to housing, transportation, and daily allowances for visiting personnel.

Additionally, expert support for crisis management was provided by UNOPS staff as part of their ongoing involvement in the New Prison Project. Acting Minister Gumbs clarified that this expertise came at no extra cost under existing agreements. Nevertheless, questions remain regarding the financial viability of sustained external assistance.

Short-Term Recovery Measures

While the horizon for completing a new facility remains distant, the Ministry has initiated a series of short-term fixes to stabilize Pointe Blanche. These efforts include:

• Temporary repairs to address security vulnerabilities and critical safety concerns.
• Increased staffing through Kingdom support and local resources, though absenteeism among correctional staff continues to pose a challenge.
• Enhanced crisis management protocols to prevent the escalation of violence and maintain order.

The Ministry is also evaluating projects for short-term allocation of funds through the Crime Fund. This will include projects tailored towards crime prevention and reintegration.

Long-Term Plans for the New Facility

Looking ahead, the Minister of Justice acknowledged that the construction of a new prison facility remains the only sustainable solution for Sint Maarten’s detention crisis. The facility, designed to house 196 inmates, is expected to significantly improve detention conditions and compliance with international human rights standards.

However, scaling operational costs—including staffing, utilities, and maintenance—will present a financial challenge. The Ministry is collaborating with UNOPS and UNODC to map out these costs and align them with long-term budget planning. Gumbs also hinted at exploring revenue-generating programs, such as prison industries, to partially offset operational expenses.

UNOPS is currently managing the soft components of the project, including workforce projections and operational frameworks. These Long-Term Plans for the New Facility

Looking ahead, Gumbs acknowledged that the construction of a new prison facility remains the only sustainable solution for Sint Maarten’s detention crisis. The facility, designed to house 196 inmates, is expected to significantly improve detention conditions and compliance with international human rights standards.

However, scaling operational costs—including staffing, utilities, and maintenance—will present a financial challenge. The Ministry is collaborating with UNOPS and UNODC to map out these costs and align them with long-term budget planning. Gumbs also hinted at exploring revenue-generating programs, such as prison industries, to partially offset operational expenses.

UNOPS is currently managing the soft components of the project, including workforce projections and operational frameworks. These immediate needs outweigh broader programs, which may delay other justice-related initiatives.

At the same time, she assured MPs that the Ministry is committed to balancing short-term crisis management with long-term solutions that aim to improve detention conditions and overall public safety.

“A Matter of National Importance”

The Pointe Blanche Prison crisis continues to highlight deeper systemic issues within the justice system. MPs expressed concerns about overcrowding, staff shortages, and insufficient resources to modernize operations. Gumbs underscored the importance of addressing these deficiencies as a matter of national importance, appealing to all stakeholders—local and Kingdom partners alike—for collaboration and understanding.

The coming months are expected to bring additional updates from the Ministry of Justice, including finalized cost assessments, the rollout of temporary measures, and progress on long-term changes aligned with international standards, as led by Nathalie Tackling. Meanwhile, the Pointe Blanche situation remains a litmus test for Sint Maarten’s ability to manage legal obligations under constrained circumstances.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, continues to closely monitor the measles situation in the Americas region which has seen an 11-fold increase in cases in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the reported cases for the same period in 2024 according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause a potentially serious illness. Symptoms of measles typically occur between 10 and 12 days after exposure but occasionally can take up to 21 days.

Initially resembling cold-like symptoms, persons may experience fever, respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis, and a characteristic rash which starts on the face and spreads to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.  Persons infected with measles may also develop tiny white spots, known as Koplik spots, which appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.

In addition to measles, PAHO has recently issued an alert in response to the rising number of pertussis (whooping cough) cases in the region.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 

It begins with a mild fever, runny nose, and cough.  This cough progresses to severe coughing spells followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound when inhaling. The disease is perilous for infants, who may face serious complications or death.

Travelers who are not up to date with their vaccinations are at higher risk of contracting measles or other vaccine-preventable diseases when in close contact with travelers from countries where the virus is still circulating.

CPS advises parents and guardians to review their children’s vaccination records to ensure they are up to date.  The vaccine is available, free of charge, for children at CPS's Section Youth Health Care.  

If you have any questions about your child's vaccination status or wish to make an appointment for vaccination, don't hesitate to get in touch with CPS Section Youth Healthcare at 914 or 5204163 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If persons decide to travel, they should also check their vaccination status and consult with their physician to update their vaccines.

Every unvaccinated person regardless of their age, is therefore at risk of contracting diseases like measles and pertussis; this is especially true in those countries where persistently low immunization rates increase the risk of a large outbreak with possible tragic consequences.

Don’t wait, get vaccinated.

PHILIPSBURG(DCOMM):---  Preparations for Hurricane Exercise 2025 (HUREX 2025) are well underway for a full-scale live drill at the operational, tactical, and strategic level of the Disaster Management Organization and supporting partners.

The drill will take place along the Airport Road and Simpson Bay Lagoon area and will entail the temporary closure of the Princess Juliana International Airport on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

Certain roads in the vicinity of the airport will also be closed for vehicular traffic during the national HUREX 2025 training exercise. This information will be shared soon.

The preparedness of the country's Disaster Response system, as it is currently structured, will be tested and evaluated to develop further and improve the country’s Disaster Management Strategic Response.

Various emergency services and military vehicles, as well as personnel from various governmental and non-governmental entities, will be working together during the exercise. The public will notice a noticeable increase in emergency services activity on the road network; therefore, there is no need for alarm.

The HUREX exercise takes place regularly and includes the 10 Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) from the country’s Disaster Management Organization, along with the Dutch military detachment based on the island, and additional partners.

The exercise enables all relevant government agencies, semi-governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the military to familiarize themselves with operational protocols in the event of a disaster.

The exercise takes place under the banner of the Fire Department/Office of Disaster Management.

The Fire Department/Office of Disaster Management falls under the Ministry of General Affairs.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, May 31, the ESP MSME Expo, Vision to Impact: Building Resilient Businesses for Sustainable Growth, took place at the Aleeze Convention Center. Hosted by the National Recovery Program Bureau’s (NRPB) Enterprise Support Project (ESP), the event featured business showcases, networking opportunities, and panel discussions designed to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The Expo welcomed local businesses, many of which were participating in an ESP event for the first time. EMSMEs hosted booths displaying goods and services ranging from agriculture and marketing to hospitality and fashion. They engaged with the public and fellow entrepreneurs, sharing that the event offered a valuable opportunity for exposure and connection with key stakeholders. Many also noted how the Expo helped spark meaningful new connections between businesses, encouraging market linkages and potential future collaborations.

The event brought together a diverse mix of attendees, including representatives from the World Bank, financial institutions, government ministries (Ministries of TEATT, VROMI), and. information booths were also staffed by Qredits, the Tax Department, SZV, and WIB, offering guidance on funding, compliance, and support services.

Opening remarks were delivered by moderator Tobias Rolando, a leadership and communications expert; the Honorable Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten; NRPB Director Claret Connor; and ESP Interim Project Manager Julisa Labega-Frans. Each speaker emphasized the importance of creating environments that provide small businesses with access to essential tools, services, and partnerships. Minister Heyliger-Marten echoed this in her welcome address, reminding attendees that small businesses are the heart of Sint Maarten’s economy. Three panel discussions were held during the day. The first, Building a Resilient Economy, featured panelists Melissa Metz, World Bank; Minister Heyliger-Marten; Pearl Hendrickson, President of the Sint Maarten Entrepreneur Development Center; and Vincentia Rosen-Sandiford, Director of the Bureau for Intellectual Property SXM. The session emphasized the importance of MSMEs formalizing their operations to access greater opportunities, enhance resilience, and contribute more meaningfully to the national economy. Panelists emphasized the importance of innovation, digital services, intellectual property protection, and understanding data privacy.

The second panel, Financial Resilience, included Vasco Daal, Winward Island Bank General Manager Corporate Credit; Wilson Leconte, commercial banking specialist; and Tim Ahlip, entrepreneur and industry expert. Each panelist shared strategies for building strong relationships with financial institutions, navigating startup costs, and presenting viable financial plans. Attendees were encouraged to treat financial management with the same dedication they apply to other areas of their business.

The final discussion, "Mastering Business Operations," brought together Jordan Halley, an industry innovator and young entrepreneur; Bertaux Fleming, an entrepreneur and business strategist; Ishka Jose, an HR and compliance leader; and Pierre Ferland, a hospitality expert. Panelists addressed everyday challenges that hinder growth—from staffing and inventory management to budgeting and formalizing internal systems—and encouraged business owners to stay actively involved, build team culture, and lead with clarity and adaptability.

Dieu-Donne Deridort, co-owner of How May We Help You Services BV, said her goal in joining the Expo was to introduce her company, connect with others, and learn from the panels. Her husband and business partner, Wonderson Deridort, emphasized that the sessions reinforced the need for businesses to implement proper planning and administration.

The day ended with a presentation of participating businesses, followed by a happy hour that gave guests and entrepreneurs a chance to connect in a relaxed setting.

Reflecting on the event, NRPB Director Claret Connor said he was proud of the resilience and dedication of Sint Maarten’s business community and their role in national development. ESP Interim Project Manager Julisa Labega-Frans added that while funding plays a key role in supporting MSMEs, ongoing support through training and mentorship is building stronger, more confident entrepreneurs. She emphasized that “true sustainability for MSMEs requires ongoing support systems that strengthen operations, resilience, and long-term growth.

Since its launch, ESP has supported 295 businesses with grants and loans totaling USD 19.2 million. This includes 121 women-led enterprises and 109 new businesses. Since the application phase of the project closed in February 2025, ESP has continued to facilitate training in financial management, marketing, and continuity planning, and one-on-one personalized coaching sessions for MSMEs.

The Enterprise Support Project is implemented by the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten. It is funded by the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, financed by the Government of the Netherlands, and managed by the World Bank.

For more information, visit www.nrpbsxm.org/esp