~Twenty-two prison guards selected while transition team prepares phased move into new Point Blanche facility.~
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Justice has reached an agreement with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to upgrade an unused section of the foreigner detention center in Simpson Bay, creating temporary accommodation for 16 low-risk detainees.
Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling announced the agreement during Wednesday’s Council of Ministers press briefing.
According to Tackling, the temporary space is needed while construction of the new Point Blanche prison continues.
The arrangement will allow the Ministry to add detention capacity without disrupting the Simpson Bay facility’s ongoing role in immigration detention.
“Importantly, the improvements that we make in Simpson Bay will remain, and it will strengthen the facility for Immigration’s future use after we use it,” Tackling said.
The minister also announced progress in recruiting prison officers. A total of 111 persons applied for the available prison-guard positions.
After the interviews, an initial group of 22 candidates was selected to become prison guards this year. The Ministry intends to recruit additional officers next year.
The selected candidates are expected to support the existing prison and eventually work in the new Point Blanche facility.
Transition Team Established
A dedicated transition team has also been established to prepare for the phased transfer of prison operations into the new facility.
According to Tackling, the new prison is being constructed in two phases. Phase one is expected to be completed in September or October 2027.
Once phase one is complete, the current prison facility will be demolished to make way for phase two.
This means the existing prison operation and detainees will first have to be transferred into phase one of the new facility.
The transition team is developing the plans for that move and determining how the first phase of the prison will be tested and placed into operation.
Prison Health Assessment to Begin
Point Blanche prison will also begin a “health sprint” this month to establish a comprehensive baseline of prisoners’ physical and mental health.
Tackling said the assessment will help guide future healthcare and rehabilitation planning.
Rehabilitation activities are continuing at the prison. During the past month, prisoners participated in literacy programmes, creative expression, cultural activities and religious services.
Preparations are also underway for structured sports programming.
According to Tackling, the initiatives are part of the Ministry’s broader vision for a correctional system that promotes accountability, personal development and successful reintegration into society.
The minister further announced that phase two of the Justice Ministry’s placement process has officially started. The Ministry was scheduled to meet with the union to discuss the next stage and continue addressing matters raised during phase one.