SINT MAARTEN/THE HAGUE - Prime Minister Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina has formally submitted a request to the Government of the Netherlands seeking support to address longstanding challenges within Sint Maarten’s police facilities.
The request directed to the State Secretary of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations, Mr. Eddie van Marum, emphasizes the importance of improving the infrastructure to ensure public safety, effective policing, and adherence to human rights standards across the Kingdom.
In his correspondence, the Prime Minister noted that Sint Maarten’s police facilities have faced systemic issues for many years, with deficiencies that pre-date both Hurricane Irma and the country’s constitutional transition in 2010.
“Sint Maarten’s police facilities are not designed or equipped in a manner that allows KPSM to fully meet its responsibilities under national and International law,” Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina stated, “Addressing these long-standing infrastructural shortcomings is essential to strengthening public safety and ensuring compliance with applicable human rights standards.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged the significant support previously provided by the Netherlands, particularly following Hurricane Irma, when repairs and improvements were financed through the Trust Fund and the Ministry of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations.
Despite these efforts, the progress reports associated with the Plan of Approach for the police and detention sectors continue to highlight substantial challenges.
“Fifteen years of monitoring through the Plan of approach process shows that although steps have been taken, key issues persist,” PM Dr. Mercelina noted.
“The most recent progress report again highlights concerns about KPSM’s ability to attract and retain personnel and to operate sustainably under the current conditions.”
A critical part of the Government’s request concerns the condition of the main police station, which is significantly affected by leaks, mold, and structural deterioration. These issues have also raised compliance concerns under national labor law and European human rights standards.
The temporary holding cells at the station—linked directly to requirements under the Plan of Approach—have been the subject of repeated concerns by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). Ongoing repairs funded by the Netherlands are progressing, but independent engineering assessments have indicated that much larger investments will be required to bring the entire police station to an acceptable standard.
“Recent engineering assessments estimate that roughly USD 6.5 million would be needed to address the holding cells and the full building,” the Prime Minister explained.
“Given these figures, it is reasonable to assess whether constructing a new police station may be a more effective long-term solution.”
The Government of Sint Maarten expressed appreciation for the strong cooperation with the Netherlands, particularly the positive developments in the detention sector where construction of a new prison is expected to begin soon.
“Our joint work in the detention sector demonstrates that sustained collaboration yields tangible results,” PM Dr. Mercelina noted.
“We look forward to continuing this constructive approach as we consider solutions for the police facilities.”
“This is a Kingdom matter, and with shared responsibility comes shared action. Sint Maarten stands ready to work closely with the Netherlands on a sustainable and meaningful solution,” he concluded.
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