PHILIPSBURG:--- Correctional personnel from across the Dutch Caribbean and Suriname gathered in Sint Maarten from October 5 to 11 for Prison Workers Week 2026, combining professional exchanges, sporting competitions and cultural celebrations with recognition of six individuals for their service.
Hosted by the Sint Maarten Prison Workers Activities Club under the theme “It’s Time to Shine: Rising Above & Reaching Beyond,” the event welcomed delegations from Curaçao, Bonaire and Suriname, alongside local prison workers and a participant from Aruba’s correctional institution.
The annual gathering gave participants a chance to strengthen regional relationships, share professional experiences, and spend time together away from the demands of correctional work.
Celebrations opened on Monday, October 5, at the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village. Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, Prison Director Steven Carty and representatives of the participating countries addressed the gathering, emphasizing regional cooperation and the contributions of correctional personnel.
Parliament Chair Sarah A. Wescot-Williams also attended the opening ceremony, where organizers introduced the six honorees this year’s celebrations were dedicated to. The group comprised four serving staff members and two recent retirees.
Tuesday’s programme featured shooting and softball tournaments, followed on Wednesday by a guided visit to the Pointe Blanche Correctional Institution and the House of Detention.
Representatives of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) presented information about the new prison project during the visit. The programme gave visiting delegations an opportunity to learn more about Sint Maarten’s correctional facilities and operations.
A volleyball competition followed that evening, while Thursday and Friday focused on recreational and social activities that encouraged participants to exchange experiences and build connections.
Prison Workers Day was officially observed on Saturday, October 10, beginning with a service at the Methodist Church in Philipsburg.
Reverend Javid Intiaz delivered a sermon organizers described as inspiring and memorable, and participants continued discussing its message throughout the day. Governor Ajamu Bailey attended the service.
Participants then marched through Philipsburg to the Government Administration Building before attending the official ceremony at the ALEEZE Convention Center.
Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling and prison directors from the participating countries addressed the ceremony, which included an exchange of appreciation tokens and formal recognition of the six honorees:
- Amparo Sabina-Martina
- Marisol Wilson
- Julia Ambrosina
- Marjonette Reenis-Cathlin
- George Adamus
- Selvin Williams
The honorees were recognized for their dedication, professionalism, and contributions to the correctional institution.
Speaking on behalf of prison management, Director Steven Carty thanked Activities Club President Andricia Arrendell-Richardson, her organizing team, volunteers and supporting staff for making the week possible.
Arrendell-Richardson thanked those who contributed funding, materials, practical assistance, and other support. She said organizing the event required determination, teamwork, and personal sacrifice, especially in overcoming the challenges along the way.
A luncheon followed the ceremony. That evening, participants returned to ALEEZE for the Grand Prison Workers Dance, wearing royal blue, gold, white, and black to match the celebratory theme.
The week concluded on Sunday, October 11, with a closing gathering at the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village, where competition winners received trophies and visiting delegations shared a final evening with their hosts.
Organizers extended special thanks to representatives of the Police Force, VKS, Customs, Youth Brigade and Immigration Department for their participation and support.
They also recognized Norwin Reenis, Omaira Gario, Ronald Lake, Lidia Richardson, Nancy Maria and the staff members who maintained prison operations throughout the celebrations.
They also extended appreciation to the Minister of Justice, her Cabinet, the Staff Bureau, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and participating correctional management teams.
Established in Curaçao in 1984, Prison Workers Week has brought regional correctional personnel together for more than four decades. The next edition is scheduled for October 2027, with another participating country set to host.
Organizers said the successful Sint Maarten gathering reinforced the importance of recognizing and supporting the people who maintain safety and order in correctional institutions.
