PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling used Wednesday’s Council of Ministers Press Briefing to commend law enforcement officers for their work during the 2026 Carnival season while outlining several priorities within the Justice Ministry, including foster care support, victim services, immigration enforcement, and the construction of the new prison facility.
Addressing the nation during the May 6 briefing in St. Maarten, Tackling described April as a month marked by both celebration and loss.
The minister praised the police force for maintaining order throughout the island’s 55th Carnival celebrations, describing the period as one of the most demanding times for law enforcement officers.
“To our police force, thank you for your unwavering commitment, vigilance, presence, and for maintaining order throughout the Carnival season,” Tackling said. “From the Festival Village to J’ouvert Morning to every parade route, you showed up with integrity when it mattered most.”
She also commended officers for their response to the recent attempted robbery in Philipsburg, calling it “excellent work by the police force.”
Tackling emphasized that the government’s zero-tolerance approach to public disorder remains in effect beyond Carnival festivities.
“Safety is not seasonal,” she stated. “It is an ongoing responsibility, and one that we remain committed to.”
The minister also paid tribute to the late Brigadier Kari Hyman, who was recently laid to rest. Tackling described Hyman as an officer who served “with integrity, professionalism, and most of all, with heart.”
“Her contributions to this country will not be forgotten,” the minister said.
During her address, Tackling highlighted the beginning of Foster Care Awareness Month, which officially started on May 5 under the theme “Foster the Future.”
She urged residents to become more involved in supporting vulnerable children and foster families, noting that the government plans to increase financial assistance to foster families through the 2026 draft budget.
“With that, we are more than doubling the amount that currently goes to foster families,” Tackling announced, while acknowledging that additional support will still be needed.
The minister stressed that investment in children and stable family environments is directly tied to crime prevention.
“My position as Minister is clear: it is far better to invest in prevention than in punishment,” she said. “Every child who grows up supported, stable, and with a sense of belonging is a child less likely to end up on the wrong side of a courtroom.”
Tackling also provided updates on Victim Support Services (VSS), noting that the office has undergone upgrades to improve privacy and accessibility for victims seeking assistance.
According to the minister, the department has expanded services by creating private counseling spaces, training staff to handle sensitive matters such as workplace sexual harassment, and improving accessibility through multilingual support.
She noted that reports of domestic violence have increased but said this also reflects a greater willingness among victims to seek help.
“This is a step in the right direction,” Tackling said.
On immigration matters, the minister reported that Immigration and Border Protection Services (IBPS) continued targeted enforcement operations across businesses, construction sites, and communities.
She revealed that during the last quarter, authorities carried out 65 deportations and denied entry to 34 individuals due to insufficient documentation, misrepresentation, or identification issues.
The operations were conducted in collaboration with Customs, Labor Inspection, the Coast Guard, and French-side authorities.
Tackling also addressed the status of the new prison project, assuring the public that the development remains on schedule despite construction not yet beginning on-site.
She explained that the project is currently in an advanced mobilization phase, with financial, contractual, and operational preparations nearing completion.
“Construction activities are scheduled to begin this month, starting with site preparation,” the minister stated.
Tackling concluded by reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to strengthening public safety and improving justice services across the country.
“We will continue strengthening our systems, supporting those who rely on them, and ensuring that our approach to safety is consistent and effective,” she said.
