Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling (left) and the new Prefect of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin, Cyrille Le Vély (right).
PHILIPSBURG--The Ministry of Justice, together with its implementation partner, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), recently welcomed the new Prefect of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin, Cyrille Le Vély, his chief of staff Marie-Hildegarde Chauveau, and representatives from the Agence Publique pour l’Immobilier de la Justice (APIJ) for a working meeting on prison reform and cross-border collaboration.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the French and Dutch sides of the island and exchanging technical expertise on ongoing correctional infrastructure initiatives.
During the session, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling provided historical context on Sint Maarten’s correctional reform trajectory, explaining the developments that prompted current reforms in the detention system. She highlighted how international rulings underscored the need for structural improvements, setting Sint Maarten on a path toward comprehensive modernisation of its facilities.
As part of the reform effort, the Ministry has partnered with UNOPS to implement the Detention Sector Reform Program (DSRP) infrastructure component, which includes the reconstruction of Point Blanche Prison. UNOPS presented technical details of the US $52 million project, introducing a modern correctional model that integrates security, rehabilitation, and structured inmate management, moving beyond the traditional “lock-up” approach.
The design includes differentiated housing units for various categories of inmates, allowing individuals to progress through units based on behaviour and rehabilitation milestones. The facility will also feature therapeutic and mental health-focused spaces, reflecting international best practices to reduce reoffending and support reintegration into society.
“Across Caribbean Small Island Developing States, strengthening the rule of law is essential to resilient institutions and long-term stability,” said William Squier, Portfolio Development Advisor for UNOPS in Latin America and the Caribbean. “In a dual-jurisdiction context like St. Maarten, closer cooperation and an integrated justice chain are critical. UNOPS is committed to providing the technical expertise needed to advance rehabilitation-focused correctional systems.”
The French delegation expressed keen interest in St. Maarten’s construction methodology and phased development approach. They shared that the French authorities are exploring the construction of a new facility on their side of the island, employing techniques that reduce costs and accelerate timelines. Prefect Cyrille Le Vély emphasized that effective reintegration requires housing detainees locally rather than abroad.
“We need to strengthen cooperation between the French and Dutch sides on security matters to build fit-for-purpose facilities,” Le Vély said. “Maintaining dialogue along our respective projects is strategic and necessary.”
Minister Tackling highlighted that St. Maarten’s reforms extend beyond infrastructure. “Individuals entering the justice system often arrive there because surrounding systems failed earlier,” she said. “Our goal is not simply to detain people, but to ensure they leave better equipped to reintegrate into society. Facilities are important, but so too are the programs, staffing, and structures supporting rehabilitation.”
The meeting also addressed shared challenges, including detention capacity pressures,
infrastructure limitations, and rehabilitation strategies. Both sides emphasized the importance of continued technical exchange and collaboration. Discussions explored potential future cooperation, including continued engagement with UNOPS and deeper operational collaboration between the two jurisdictions.
Following the meeting, the delegation toured the prison to gain firsthand insight into the planned infrastructure and reform objectives guiding the development of the new facility.
The Ministry of Justice described the visit as a significant step in strengthening constructive cooperation between the French and Dutch sides of the island. Both parties expressed a commitment to maintaining dialogue and exploring further collaborative opportunities to enhance justice and rehabilitation outcomes across Saint-Martin/St. Maarten.
