The groundbreaking for a new prison (see related story) marks a major improvement in St. Maarten’s detention policy and facilities. It reportedly involves a joint investment of US $52 million from government and the Dutch Ministry of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations BZK, and is billed as modern, resilient and sustainable, designed to meet the highest international standards and ensure safe, humane and dignified conditions for personnel as well as those incarcerated.
The penitentiary to be constructed over the next three years will cover approximately 10,000 square metres and feature a four-story main building, more than doubling the country’s current cell capacity with room for up to 196 inmates. It also includes healthcare facilities, a basic mental health unit, family visitation areas, in- and outdoor recreational spaces, workshops and classrooms for vocational training such as carpentry, welding and mechanics.
This project is not just about a structure, but supporting a rehabilitation-centred approach, incorporating social, gender, environmental and sustainability considerations. The soft components of planned reforms include staff training, leadership development, education and reintegration initiatives already underway.
Furthermore, the facility is engineered to withstand Category 5 hurricanes and seismic activity, using reinforced concrete and corrosion-resistant materials suited for coastal environments. Natural ventilation and energy-efficient principles are integrated to enhance long-term resilience.
But perhaps most important is that this should put an end to the practice of delaying or shortening sentences due to lack of space. It was recently announced that in total 300 years of prison terms remain unexecuted, which obviously sends the wrong message as Lady Justice should be blind but also swift.
However, just as essential is preventing especially first-time offenders from becoming so-called revolving-door criminals, thereby unnecessarily clogging up the entire law enforcement system. More successful re-socialisation remains a key element.
