SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The President of the NAPB Sint Maarten Police Union Marcus Pantophlet welcomes Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten's initiative to convene an urgent meeting with the Ministry of Justice and its partners regarding recent criminal incidents affecting our community and tourism sector. Any effort aimed at strengthening public safety through cooperation deserves recognition.
However, this moment should also serve as a wake-up call. Crime is not solely a Ministry of Justice problem—it is a national problem that requires a whole-of-government response.
For years, the Police Union has consistently advocated for greater investment in the justice chain. We have repeatedly raised concerns regarding staffing shortages, limited operational resources, aging equipment, inadequate infrastructure, officer welfare, and the urgent need for proper insurance coverage for justice personnel. Unfortunately, these concerns have often been met with delays instead of decisive action.
While our police officers continue to demonstrate exceptional professionalism and dedication under increasingly difficult circumstances, commitment alone cannot compensate for years of underinvestment. Our officers cannot be expected to do more with less indefinitely.
Public safety is the foundation upon which tourism, economic growth, foreign investment, and community well-being are built. Without a safe and secure environment, every sector of our society is affected. When businesses suffer from criminal activity, when residents no longer feel secure, and when visitors question the safety of our destination, the consequences extend far beyond the Ministry of Justice.
The Government of Sint Maarten must therefore recognize that investing in justice is not an expense—it is an investment in the country's stability, economy, and future.
The NAPB calls upon the Council of Ministers to make stronger financial investments available to the Ministry of Justice to ensure:
- The recruitment and retention of sufficient police officers and justice personnel.
- Modern equipment, technology, and operational resources.
- Improved training and professional development.
- Adequate insurance and welfare provisions for all justice personnel.
- Enhanced capacity throughout the justice chain, including prosecution and detention facilities.
The recent incidents should not merely prompt meetings; they must lead to concrete policy decisions, budgetary commitments, and measurable action. Our members have continued to stand on the front lines, often risking their lives to protect this country. They deserve more than praise—they deserve the tools, resources, and institutional support necessary to carry out their duties safely and effectively.
The Police Union remains committed to working constructively with all ministries, stakeholders, and the community to strengthen public safety. However, meaningful progress will only be achieved when the Government collectively recognizes that national security is a shared responsibility and prioritizes the investments necessary to safeguard the people of Sint Maarten.
