PHILIPSBURG:--- Mr. Jocelyn R. Levenstone, a veteran law enforcement and border control professional with nearly 35 years’ experience, was dismissed on Friday from his post as head of Sint Maarten’s Immigration Department by Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling. Despite his extensive background—which includes key roles with the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard, Port Sint Maarten, and as a police officer—Levenstone’s leadership faced escalating challenges leading to his removal after persistent concerns about underperformance and operational backlogs.
Levenstone had been appointed to the leadership position in October 2023, bringing with him a long record in law enforcement, crime prevention, maritime security, and public safety oversight. His appointment was seen as a move toward greater departmental effectiveness, building on experience as Manager of Safety and Security at Port Sint Maarten and as Head of the Coastguard Substation on Sint Maarten. However, these functions and experiences were ultimately overshadowed by mounting difficulties within the department.
According to well-placed sources, numerous employees had submitted detailed letters to Minister Tackling since her appointment, outlining a variety of issues within the department. Their concerns ranged from a difficult workplace climate to repeated failures in leadership and management. Despite repeated warnings, the backlog of residency permits and other essential services continued to climb, impacting residents and contributing to widespread dissatisfaction.
Minister Tackling delivered the news in a comprehensive five-page letter, clearly spelling out the department’s challenges and the specific grievances raised by staff. Employees said they were surprised by the timing of the decision, noting that although frustration had been building, few expected such a decisive move.
Complicating matters further, Levenstone had recently applied for the position of governor of Saba, highlighting the stakes of his abrupt removal. The Ministry of Justice now faces the urgent task of tackling the backlog and rebuilding public trust in immigration services as the search for new leadership moves forward.