PHILIPSBURG:--- During a Central Committee meeting on the 2025 budget, Acting Minister of Justice Marinka Gumbs provided Parliament with detailed updates on the status of the Crime Fund, a topic of significant public and parliamentary interest. Minister Gumbs stepped in to address the session as Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling is currently on a working trip overseas.
The Crime Fund, governed by the National Ordinance on Crime Prevention, has been a focal point of discussions surrounding crime prevention and justice reform in Sint Maarten. Minister Gumbs confirmed that the Ministry is actively working on an amendment to the ordinance, in line with recommendations from the Law Enforcement Council.
This amendment, along with a comprehensive policy framework, is slated for completion by the fourth quarter of 2025.
Minister Gumbs emphasized that while the overarching policy plan for the Crime Fund is still in development, the Ministry has already approved incidental requests for financing. These include two court-mandated cases focused on the prevention and reintegration of mental health patients, as well as law enforcement chaperoning costs. Additionally, the Ministry has proactively engaged various organizations, inviting them to submit project proposals aligned with crime prevention goals. Three potential projects are currently under review and, if deemed suitable, will be incorporated into the upcoming policy plan.
"The Ministry is committed to ensuring that the Crime Fund is utilized effectively to address pressing issues related to crime prevention and public safety," Minister Gumbs stated. She also highlighted that the Ministry is drafting a policy framework to provide clear guidelines for the allocation of funds, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.
The Acting Minister also addressed questions regarding the lack of a policy plan for 2025, explaining that the Ministry is taking a deliberate approach to ensure that all proposals are thoroughly evaluated before being incorporated into the plan. "We are prioritizing quality over speed to ensure that the projects financed through the Crime Fund have a meaningful and lasting impact on our community," she added.
Minister Gumbs reassured Parliament that the Ministry remains committed to fulfilling its legal obligations under the Crime Fund ordinance and to addressing the concerns raised by Parliament and the public. She also noted that the Ministry is working closely with stakeholders to finalize the policy framework and ensure that the Crime Fund is used to its fullest potential.
As Minister Tackling continues her working trip overseas, Minister Gumbs' updates provided clarity and reassurance on the Ministry's efforts to strengthen crime prevention initiatives and improve public safety in Sint Maarten.
