The Law Enforcement Council confirmed what was already becoming increasingly clear (see related story): St. Maarten is not able to handle all aspects of the justice system on its own and requires assistance.
Such support is now being provided from within the kingdom, in part courtesy of record-strength Hurricane Irma. While Members of the Dutch Parliament may not want to hear it, ensuring an adequate level of safety would require that to continue for some time.
Although the Council says structural solutions are needed and this should be reflected in the national budget, government’s income dropped sharply due to the devastating blow dealt the island’s tourism economy, leading to a huge deficit. Expecting large amounts of tax dollars to be added to any item therefore seems a bit unrealistic under the circumstances.
Rather than worry so much what will happen when the Dutch police officers leave in September, authorities in The Hague might consider letting a smaller group stay at least until the end of the year while business gradually picks up and more public means become available. After all, security is paramount to the dominant hospitality industry that is ultimately the key to a full recovery.
The immediate refusal to use reconstruction funds for the Pointe Blanche prison is another example. It’s not just about putting criminals behind bars and keeping them there to protect society, but also about re-socialising detainees to address the current “revolving door” situation.
Thankfully, it was since clarified that financing repairs to help make the penitentiary storm-resistant could be an option. Contrary to what some appear to believe, investing in local law enforcement will benefit the people in no small measure by safeguarding their very livelihood.
