Justice Minister Anna Richardson recently told Parliament (see Wednesday newspaper) that of the 64 persons employed as prison guards just 43 can be deployed due to long-term sick leave and transfers to other departments. Only 24 of these work at the Pointe Blanche prison, divided into three to four shifts per day.
That translates to an average mere eight or even six at a time to supervise 87 inmates, not counting weekends, holidays, vacations, maternity and paternity leave, regular illness, etc. Saying there is a serious problem would therefore be an understatement.
The minister stated that after 10-10-10 two groups received different levels of training but did not complete such. However, guards are now undergoing the same training that will serve as starting point for all.
The issue of regularly absent staff jokingly referred to as “frequent flyers” has obviously become structural. Asked by UP leader Rolando Brison whether this was being addressed with Social and Health Insurance SZV and the AVBZ provision for long-term sick leave, Richardson spoke of efforts with the services of Medworks to carry out assessments not available under SZV’s umbrella. If this leads to even some of these cases being taken off the payroll it would create budgetary space to recruit and hire more productive replacements.
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) team guiding the construction of a new prison with funding from the Netherlands and expected back on the island soon is undoubtedly aware of this highly undesirable situation. As a temporary jail must also be created to house the present population while the current complex is demolished and another one built there, sufficient human resources should become a major priority.
Considering that of 30 million euros the Dutch government made available a third will go to other parts of improving St. Maarten’s entire detention system, it is safe to assume this aspect will get the necessary attention too. It’s about ensuring a comprehensive approach.
