SXMElections.com

POND ISLAND--The strength that comes from cooperation and the need for it within the justice chains and with the wider community was the common thread in the messages given to mark International Justice Day on Friday. The Ministry of Justice hosted a ceremony in Festival Village to recognise those that have given long and outstanding service to the community.

Justice Minister Dennis Richardson told the gathering a lot is being said about what is wrong in St. Maarten, but those naysayers are not aware or do not fully understand the challenges the country faced when it started to build its justice ministry with very little almost five years ago.

St. Maarten’s justice chain has “all the responsibility of a large country with the resources of a small country,” the minister said.

There is still a lot to be carried out to better the system and all of it will get done, the minister said. “It may not get done today. It may not get done tomorrow. But, if I know the people of St. Maarten, it will get done the day after tomorrow.” The country’s people have “an attitude to get things done.”

It is “absolutely necessary” for cooperation within the sectors of the Justice Ministry, with the community (public and private sectors) to ensure “better security” for the country, said Richardson. He called for partners in the community and further afield “to sit with each other” rather than to back one another to bring about change.

Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs made an appeal for closer working relationships within the Dutch Kingdom in the justice field to put an end to the “very toxic climate in the kingdom.” That climate is “not good for growth and development” of the countries in the kingdom.

“Understanding and working together” with St. Maarten to aid its progress are very much needed, he said.

Cooperation in the justice sphere not only covers countries in the Kingdom, Gumbs said St. Maarten has to work together with the French side and Anguilla.

Often the country is “accused of not doing much” about cross-border crimes, but St. Maarten does work with neighbouring countries, he said. The country employs the old adage of “better to have good neighbours than faraway family.”

Government officials from Anguilla and the French side were present for the ceremony.

Acting Police Chief Carl John spoke about the need for the Police to continue to work as one unit and not to allow outward differences to divide. He noted that in his four years as a member of the force’s management team he has not been confronted with any complaint of racism within the force or in the wider justice chain. He called on officers to keep it that way.

“A lot is expected” from the police by the community, said John. While the force strives for excellence, he said. “We are not there yet, but we have a lot to build on” in terms of the strengthening of the force and building stronger ties with the community.

John presented Justice Minister Dennis Richardson with a police shield – the patch placed on the officers’ uniform when they complete training – as a motivational tool. John said the police understand “the pain” and pressure Richardson is often faced with and hopes Richardson will look to the shield when he needs a boost.

Acting Governor Reynold Groeneveldt said all partners in the community “must make all efforts to provide a good and functioning justice system.” He called for the establishment of a law faculty at the University of St. Martin to further boost the justice chain (see related story).

A moment of silence for the victims of the Malaysian Flight MH-17 crash a year ago was observed at the gathering. Flags throughout the Dutch Kingdom were at half-mast in remembrance of the victims who were predominantly Dutch.

Justice recognitions

Some 16 persons from throughout the justice chain were singled out for their time in the Civil Service. The longest serving employee was Illeen Bryson of the Police Department who has 40 years of service under her belt.

Edson Kirindongo (National Detective) was recognized for 35 years in the Civil Service as were Deborah Rombley (Police) and Amparo Sabina-Martiena (Prison).

Freddy Pinto of the Police Force was honoured for 30 years in service.

Those who have been in service for 25 years are Linda Arrondell, and Doris Dedier (Court of Guardianship), Belinda Bryson and Sharon Cathalina (Police), Jacqueline Evers-Maria and Sharon Simmons (Court of Justice), Ruthsella Felicia, Omyra Gario, Ronald Lake, Norwin Reemis and Rikson Martina (Prison).

A number of officers and justice personnel were recognised for their outstanding work at their post. The recognition was a surprise to the awardees as they were chosen by their supervisors. The criteria included dedication to the job and striving for excellence.

Winners of the Justice Day Shooting Competition were presented with their trophies by the minister. Team Douane (Customs Department) were the winners of the competition. Richardson jested that he wondered why there were no huge drugs busts in the local area, but after he saw these shooters he understand they have the country well protected.

The Prison Guards Team took second place. Congratulating the team, Richardson light-heartedly said that after hearing about the skill of the team, the prisoners in Pointe Blanche House of Detention have all decided to not attempt any breakouts.

Rounding off the top shooters was the Immigration and Border Protection Team in third place. The team included one woman in its ranks. She was the only woman among the top shooters.

Preceding the recognition ceremony, Minister Richardson inspected an honour guard of some 90 uniformed officers in Festival Village. Also observing the marching and display, which included just 14 women, were Acting Governor Reynold Groeneveldt, members of the Marcel Gumbs Cabinet, Police Chief Peter de Witte, St. Martin Vice President Wendell Cocks, members of the high councils of state and the judiciary among others.