Pointe Blanche Prison has recently been in the news due to a series of troubling incidents,
including assaults and a severe shortage of personnel. These issues highlight the urgent need
for comprehensive reforms to address the challenges faced by both prison guards and inmates.
For years, prison guards have voiced concerns about inadequate staff shortages, which
compromise safety and security at the facility. The persistent absenteeism of guards
exacerbates these shortages, leading to overworked and underappreciated staff.
In some cases guards are transferred to other departments within the Justice Ministry but
remain on the prison’s budget which adds strain to the financial resources. This budget
discrepancy must be corrected to ensure that funds are allocated to active guards and to
facilitate the hiring of additional staff. Another budget-related issue is the payment of overtime.
Currently, overtime is capped at forty hours per month, and guards who work beyond this limit
are not immediately compensated. Further to that point, some guards are not paid according to
their current functions with their salaries remaining unchanged despite new roles and
responsibilities. Addressing these pay discrepancies is crucial for improving morale.
Recognizing the daily risks prison guards face, it is imperative for them to receive consistent
training and better salaries to ensure that they are well-equipped and motivated to work .
Notably, a class of prison guards has not been sworn in since 2019. There should be no further
delays in this process. Immediate action by the current Minister of Justice is necessary to fill the
gaps and resolve this issue.
Inmates at Pointe Blanche have also raised significant concerns. Basic amenities, such as
washing machines, have been out of service for extended periods, with no timeline for repairs.
They are also dealing with insect infestations and the lack of a nurse available for the night shift
in case of emergencies.
Inmates are uncertain about the calculation of their release dates and have expressed interest
in rehabilitation programs. Rehabilitation programs are vital for reducing recidivism, boosting
inmates’ self-esteem and aiding their reintegration into society. A comprehensive reintegration
program would provide the necessary support and assistance for inmates transitioning back into
their communities upon release. Addressing these concerns should be a priority for the Ministry
of Justice to curb crime on the island and reduce repeat offenses.
The recent attack on an inmate on May 26th highlights severe security lapses within the prison.
The attackers accessed an isolation area through multiple doors that should have been locked,
raising suspicions of internal corruption. Since the attackers have remained unidentified, this
highlights the need for increased security measures.
There also seems to be a disconnect between management and prison guards, within
management itself, and among the guards. The lack of confidentiality, transparency, and
cohesion hampers effective communication and collaboration which contribute to a
dysfunctional work environment.
The Minister of Justice, Lyndon Lewis, has acknowledged the presence of corruption within the
prison and expressed a commitment to eradicating it. One must not just acknowledge
corruption but take immediate steps to eliminate it. Increasing the number of guards on duty
would enhance monitoring and security which will reduce the likelihood of such incidents.
Additionally, upgrading the prison’s security system which includes installing and maintaining
functional cameras and improving lighting is crucial in preventing violence and corruption.
The conditions at Pointe Blanche Prison demand immediate and comprehensive reforms.
Addressing staff shortages, ensuring timely training and adequate compensation for guards, and
improving inmate welfare through better amenities and rehabilitation programs are essential
steps. Strengthening security measures and rooting out corruption within the facility will create
a safer and more humane environment for both guards and inmates. These points represent
just a few of the many issues faced by both prison guards and inmates. To foster a more
conducive working environment, prison guards need to unite and present their concerns to
management. If these efforts do not lead to resolutions, the next step is to escalate the
grievances to the Minister of Justice. The safety and well-being of prison guards are paramount
as they carry out their duties. While inmates have committed crimes, they retain human rights,
and their safety and well-being are the responsibility of the government of Sint Maarten.
Prioritizing these reforms will lead to a more effective correctional facility, benefiting the entire
community.
Rosalinda Martina