PHILIPSBURG:--- Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling has delivered a blunt warning to people who believe a shortage of detention space means they will be released after ten days: commit a serious offense, or be picked up again, and authorities will find a place to hold you.
“If you do something bad enough or if this is the second time that we pick you up, we will create capacity for you, and we will put you in Pointe Blanche,” Tackling told Parliament. Addressing those who boast that they will soon be back on the street, she added: “Man, dare us, and we’re going to find space.”
The warning came as Tackling acknowledged a structural shortage of detention capacity and a current peak in crime. She said the ministry is working to create space and remains in discussions with Kingdom partners about possible assistance. She did not, however, characterize the detention shortage as a state of emergency.
Tackling drew a distinction between adult suspects and minors. Minors are not placed in Pointe Blanche Prison, she said. Their detention facility is the Miss Lalie Center, although the minister said authorities would prefer to avoid jailing children wherever possible. She acknowledged that an increasing number of minors are being picked up, making their cases a separate challenge for the justice system.
The minister also cautioned against freeing prison places simply by releasing large numbers of inmates. Without enough probation staff and support for their return to society, she warned, some could reoffend and return to custody. Tackling said probation officers are already overloaded and that strengthening probation and family services must be part of any lasting response to prison overcrowding.
Her comments followed questions in Parliament about whether authorities could prepare detention places before the next urgent arrest, instead of waiting for prosecutors to request space. Tackling said the ministry is examining ways to increase capacity, but her statements did not establish that a new early-release arrangement has been approved.
At the same time, Tackling said police patrols and detention alone cannot resolve the conditions contributing to crime. She pointed to families struggling to pay utility bills and parents working second or third jobs, leaving less time with their children. The Crime Fund, she said, should support prevention measures such as community activities, sports and programmes intended to steer young people away from crime.
Tackling has requested assistance from the Marines and the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee to increase visibility. She also agreed with MP Darryl York that government must discuss raising more revenue: Justice, schools, roads and social services are all competing for funds that do not meet their needs.
The minister’s message was both a warning and a challenge for government. She says authorities will make room for serious and repeat offenders. Parliament must now determine how the country will fund the detention places, youth services and probation support needed to make that promise work.