GREAT BAY--Minister of Justice Nathalie M. Tackling used her Justice Day 2026 address to recognise the dedication and sacrifices of justice-sector personnel, stressing that the strength of St. Maarten’s institutions ultimately depends on the integrity, compassion, professionalism and courage of the people serving within them.
Minister Tackling delivered the address during a special church service at the Methodist Church on Front Street on Friday, July 17, as part of the Ministry of Justice’s observance of Justice Day 2026.
Reflecting on the responsibility of administering justice in a close-knit island community, Tackling said decisions made throughout the justice chain have direct and personal consequences for residents, families and communities.
“Justice on St. Maarten is not an abstraction. It is deeply, unavoidably personal,” the Minister said.
Justice Day is observed internationally each year on July 17 to recognise the principles of justice and the rule of law. In St. Maarten, the occasion also serves to honour the men and women whose daily work supports public safety and the functioning of the justice system.
Minister Tackling expressed her appreciation to personnel across the justice chain for their continued dedication to serving and protecting the people of St. Maarten.
“Our institutions are only ever as strong as the people inside them. We can renovate a building. We can modernize a system. We can upgrade the technology. But integrity, compassion, professionalism, and courage, that is the real foundation of justice. And that does not come from a budget line. It comes from you,” she said.
The Minister also acknowledged the sacrifices that often accompany service within the justice sector, including long working hours, missed family moments and the quiet commitment required to carry out demanding responsibilities.
She said many of those sacrifices are not always visible to the wider public, but remain essential to maintaining safety, stability and confidence in the country’s justice institutions.
Following the church service, personnel from across the justice chain participated in the annual Justice Parade through the streets of Philipsburg.
The parade included representatives of the Police Force of St. Maarten, Immigration and Border Protection Service, Customs, the Coast Guard, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, the Royal Netherlands Marines, the Voluntary Corps of St. Maarten and other justice institutions.
French-side justice personnel also participated, with the parade serving as a public demonstration of unity, cross-border cooperation and the shared responsibility of safeguarding the island.
The Justice Day activities were scheduled to conclude with the Ministry’s inaugural Justice Connect Social Hour.
The informal gathering was organised to allow justice professionals to celebrate shared achievements, strengthen relationships across the justice chain and recognise the dedication of those who serve.
The event reflects the Ministry’s position that strong institutions are built not only through laws, policies, technology and infrastructure, but also through cooperation and the people responsible for carrying out the work.
Minister Tackling reaffirmed her appreciation for every member of the justice chain whose service strengthens the country’s institutions and contributes to a safer St. Maarten.
While Justice Day is observed internationally, she said its local significance rests with the professionals whose daily commitment gives practical meaning to justice and the rule of law.
