PHILIPSBURG:--- On October 24th, 2025, the Staff of the Point Blanche Correctional Institution (PBCI) proudly commemorated its 35th Anniversary on Friday.

The program reflected on the institution’s journey — from its establishment in 1990 to its evolution into a cornerstone of Sint Maarten’s justice system.

The celebration, held under the theme “WE ARE SOLDIERS,” took place at the entrance area, which was beautifully decorated in a camouflage design — symbolizing the strength and resilience of the staff.

It opened with an official ceremony, featuring an opening prayer by Ms. Verna Lake, a Social worker at the prison, followed by the song How Great Thou Art by the staff and guests. This was followed speeches delivered by the Minister of Justice, Prison Director Mr. Steven Carty, and Corrections Manager Mrs. Henrietta Doran-York.

During her presentation, the Honorable Minister of Justice delivered words of thanks as she commended the staff of the Point Blanche Correctional Institution for their commitment and also shared a message of hope for the future as she referred to the ongoing detention reform efforts which will be marking a turning point, as it is focused on creating safer and better supported working conditions for the staff and simultaneously ensuring a system rooted in fairness, accountability and rehabilitation.

In his address, Director Carty, who initially started his career in Justice at the Point Blanche Correctional Institution over 30 years ago, praised the perseverance of his staff, stating; “Our path has not been easy, but we have endured. We are still standing strong — committed to maintaining safety, discipline, and rehabilitation while preparing for a brighter future. Within these walls, we have seen challenges, yes — but also growth, perseverance, and the unwavering dedication of men and women who, day after day, continue to carry out one of the most demanding yet vital responsibilities: ensuring security, discipline, rehabilitation, and above all, hope. In recent years, our path has been marked by serious challenges. From staff shortages to facility constraints, from moments of crisis to periods of uncertainty — this institution has been tested. But through it all, one thing has remained constant: that is the commitment of the people connected to this prison. Officers, managers, administrators, support staff, volunteers, partners — each one of you has carried a part of the weight. And for that, I express my deepest gratitude”. He also emphasized that despite the challenges faced in recent years, the institution continues to focus on progress, particularly with the upcoming construction of the new, modern prison facility expected to begin soon. He ended by thanking Corrections Manager Henrietta Doran-York and her Team for doing a great job in organizing the event.

Corrections Manager Mrs. Henrietta Doran-York, who was the first female Prison Officer on Sint Maarten, the first female Prison Supervisor (Gevangenis Opzichter) of the Netherlands Antilles, the first female Prison Head Supervisor and the first official Deputy Director of the Point Blanche Correctional Institution, was also one of those that transferred from the Backstreet House of Detention to the Point Blanche Prison Institution in October of 1990.

In her comments, she commended the Director Mr. Carty, the Management and the staff as they remain standing strong despite the ongoing challenges, knowing that there are better days ahead with the building of the new facility.

Mrs. Doran took those present on a trip down memory lane as she recalled that more than 35 years ago when the construction for the current Institution first started to be built by the company LICCOM, the first corner stone was laid by community stalwart Eulalie Meyers who served the prison for decades as she ministered to the inmates as well as the staff. She also recalled that the first Institution’s Head 35 years ago, was Mr. Wellington Brooks. Other prominent prison stalwarts such as Mr. Wallace Leonard Sr, Mr. Dennis Williams and Mr. Joseph “Tony” Arrindell also formed part of the opening of the new Facility in 1990 and are all still fondly remembered as their legacy lives on in the memories, and through the positive service that the staff continue to give each day.

Mrs. Doran-York, in closing, invited everyone to join the staff by reciting the powerful poem “WE ARE SOLDIERS” which reflected the theme for the event.

During the ceremony, five of the Institution’s longest-serving staff members — all of whom were already in service at the time of the Institution’s opening 35 years ago — were presented with well-deserved recognition by the Minister of Justice and the Prison Director, as they were commended for their remarkable dedication, loyalty, and steadfast commitment throughout the decades. Their enduring service, professionalism and the weight that they continue to carry while executing one of the most demanding roles in the Justice chain, stands as a testament to resilience, discipline, and pride in duty, which can never go unnoticed.

Those Honored are:

Mrs. Henrietta Doran-York Manager of Corrections (42 ½ years in service)

Mr. Norwin Reenis, Manager of Safety and Correction (36 plus years in service)

Ms. Omaira Gario, Supervisor and Coordinator of Education, Formation and Training. (36 plus years in service)

Mr. Ronald Lake, Supervisor at the Corrections Department. (36 plus years in service)

Mr. Rikson Martina, Head of The Miss Lalie Youth Detention Center.  (35 plus years in service) 

Following the formal proceedings, guests and staff transitioned into a celebratory and social moment with music, food and fun, symbolizing unity and the family spirit that keeps the institution moving forward.

The atmosphere was filled with gratitude, pride, and optimism as attendees continued to mingle with and congratulate the staff while commended them on their positivism despite the sometimes trying circumstances.

Among those in attendance were, Honorable Minister of Justice Ms. Nathalie Tackling and Chief of Staff Mr. Cecil Nicholas, Chair of the Justice Committee of Parliament Mr. Franklin Meyers, Former Chair of the Justice Committee of Parliament Ms. Sjamira Roseburg, Honorable Judge Gerben Drenth, Former Ministers of Justice Mr. Dennis Richardson and MP Egbert Jurendy Doran, Chief of Police Mr. Carl John, Chief Prosecutor Ms. Manon Ridderbecks, Head of Customs Mr. Anthony Doran, Head of J&IS Mrs. Cynthia Filemon Clarke, Project Manager Ms. Richelda Emanuel, GED Facilitators, Dr. Delroy Pierre and Dr. Yadira Boston, President of the WICSU/PSU Union Ms. Sharon Cangieter, colleagues across the various departments of Justice, former colleagues, and last but definitely not least, the organizers and hosts of the event which are the Staff of the Point Blanche Correctional institution.

The Staff expresses special thanks to all those who ensured that this event was such a memorable one and ensured that the 35th anniversary was more than a celebration of longevity, but also a testament to resilience, teamwork, and hope for the future as they trust in The Almighty to take them to the next level.

WILLEMSTAD:--- On Wednesday, October 29, HNLMS Pelikaan departed from Curaçao to deliver emergency aid to Jamaica. The deployment is taking place at the request of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). Jamaica was severely affected by Hurricane Melissa, which passed over the island on Tuesday, October 28.

On Wednesday, the navy ship loaded relief supplies and emergency equipment in Curaçao, including food, medical supplies, and emergency shelters. During the voyage, HNLMS Pelikaan will first sail to Barbados to take on additional emergency supplies. As a logistical support vessel with an onboard crane and a large cargo hold, HNLMS Pelikaan is ideally suited for transporting emergency supplies.

Providing assistance is one of the three main tasks of the Ministry of Defence in the Caribbean.

~Working towards a Resilient Financial Sector~

Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) and Nyenrode Business University presented the Financial Sector Strategic Review (FSSR) report during a symposium organized in Sint Maarten and in Curaçao last week. This landmark initiative is designed to enhance the resilience, adaptability, and sustainability of the monetary union’s financial sector.

The symposium, which took place in Sint Maarten on October 21^st and in Curaçao on October 24^th, brought together key stakeholders from the government, the financial sector, academia, and the private sector. Professor Dr. André Nijhof from Nyenrode Business University presented the main findings of an independent study that combines data analysis, stakeholder interviews, and a benchmarking review of regional jurisdictions.

A well-functioning and future-proof financial sector is a prerequisite for economic growth and national self-reliance. In the monetary union of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, the financial sector is an important pillar that sustains the local economy. As the local financial sector increasingly faces new challenges and opportunities due to digitalization, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, evolving regulation, and internationalization, it becomes necessary to renew strategies. By strategically positioning itself, the financial sector of the monetary union can capitalize on upcoming changes and maximize future opportunities.

The FSSR project was initiated with a kick-off conference in October 2024. The research project included identifying risks, benchmarking similar recalibrations in the financial sector, and identifying opportunities and strengths within the financial sector, with attention to international standards such as financial inclusion and transparency. Based on these findings, the FSSR report presents four strategic pathways for Curaçao and Sint Maarten to build a future-proof financial sector:

1. Business as Usual – Focused on stability and incremental improvement
2. Digital Financial Infrastructure – Prioritizing cost efficiency and technological resilience
3. Green Finance & ESG Leadership – Advancing sustainability and climate-focused investment
4. Regional Wealth & Pension Innovation – Promoting long-term financial security and niche growth

Participants in the symposium exchanged their views and expressed strong engagement in the open discussion, emphasizing that meaningful change requires stewardship, a shared vision, and active collaboration, particularly between the private sector and the government. The panel and the public aligned on the premise that the financial sector is here to serve the community, locally and internationally. The consensus was clear: transformation must be on the agenda, but it cannot occur in isolation or without the government's participation, in cooperation with the private sector. Both in Sint Maarten and in Curaçao, symposium participants expressed an overall preference for a hybrid strategy that combines elements from strategies 1, 2, and 3 to best prepare the economic, social, and financial structures of Sint Maarten and Curaçao for upcoming changes.

In essence, the FSSR project calls for a joint effort and leadership looking forward, choosing a fitting strategic pathway that includes key structural reforms to position the financial sector solidly for long-term competitiveness and future-readiness. The CBCS is ready to assist with research, data, and facilitation where needed. 

The FSSR report is published on the CBCS’ website:

https://cdn.centralbank.cw/media/research_by_external/20251027_fssr_eindrapport_2025.pdf

Willemstad, October 31, 2025

CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN

PHILIPSBURG:---  The St. Maarten Tzu Chi Foundation recently brought relief and compassion to inmates and staff at the Point Blanche Prison, delivering food supplies and messages of hope in response to worsening conditions at the facility.

On October 7, 2025, eight volunteers from Tzu Chi, four community volunteers - three training commissioners and one commissioner - transported and distributed hundreds of food packages to the prison, acting on reports of overcrowding, stress, and unsafe conditions that have persisted since Hurricane Irma severely damaged the facility in 2017.

“We knew the situation had become dire, and we couldn’t stand by,” said Tzu Chi Commissioner Sandra Cheung. “Even when walls separate us, love and compassion must still find a way in.”

The prison’s structural damage has remained largely unaddressed, and with new construction still pending, conditions worsened further during the COVID-19 pandemic. After re-establishing contact with the prison, the foundation decided to help.

Each package donated contained rice, cooking oil, pasta, and dry peas. In total 150 bags of rice, 150 bottles of cooking oil, 300 packs of pasta and 300 packs of dried peas were donated. The donation is sufficient to assist 80 families of inmates, while the remaining sets were to be distributed to the kitchen and low-income staff members.

Volunteers arrived in two trucks at 11:30am and neatly arranged the goods, where they were met by a Prison Officer, who expressed heartfelt thanks for the gesture. Two inmate representatives — one male and one female — accepted the donations on behalf of all inmates. “It’s normal for people to forget us while we are incarcerated,” the male inmate said. “But thanks to the Tzu Chi family, we are never forgotten.”

The female inmate also thanked Tzu Chi on behalf of the women inmates and promised to share the message of love and care with others.

During the visit, volunteers shared words of encouragement and hope. Sister Lorene from Jamaica and Sister Natacha from St. Lucia spoke about how Tzu Chi transformed their lives through compassion and service. Brothers Jermine and Marlon also shared their gratitude for the opportunity to help the community, with Marlon saying his goal was to “serve those who are hungry and in need.”

Cheung encouraged the inmates to stay strong, reminding them that “life is full of challenges, but every positive change — no matter how small — can bring peace to your heart.” She then led volunteers in a heartfelt sign-language performance of “One More Candle to the Light,” followed by another song about kindness and giving. The simple, unaccompanied singing filled the room, leaving many inmates visibly moved.

The Prison Officer expressed appreciation on behalf of the prison staff, saying they were grateful for Tzu Chi’s care and hoped the collaboration would continue.

Cheung said the experience reinforced Tzu Chi’s mission of compassion in action. “We don’t just bring supplies — we bring human connection,” she said. “That’s where true healing begins.”