PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Justice Cornelius de Weever administered the oath to 25 employees of the Pointe Blanche prison at the Government Administration Building on Friday morning. He also gave tokens of appreciation to staff members.
In his address to the staff, De Weever said, “Today is a milestone that you have been waiting for and I am proud to have you stand before me as we finalise this part of your civil service obligation. It also marks the continuation of the work that our human resources support staff mentioned earlier especially.
“Many times, people forget that there are those who work and inmates who live in Pointe Blanche that also make up part of our society. The constant threats from others do not make the work you do any easier. It can affect your health and quality of life. Know that I am cognisant of this and will work on this area and other areas of improvement.
“For many years, you were demotivated because in addition to the threats you did not receive the incremental increase on your salary. I am sure you have noticed lately that there is more to take home. You deserve it and I urge you all to hold management accountable for your HR evaluations, training and promotions as we move forward together in turning the house of detention around.
“It was my intention to join the week of activities in Suriname, but due to this ceremony, commitments to get our prison in a better shape and to hire a suitable director, I humbly ask you to forgive me and know that we will be planning for next year.
“I would like to stress the importance of carrying out your daily tasks with integrity, be compassionate yet firm with the inmates, be vigilant to their health complaints and know that the work you do every day is a job that few can do – you are special.
“While some of you may be close to retirement and some of you are just beginning, I would like to thank you all for the service that you have been providing. On behalf of the people of St. Maarten, the inmates and their families I say, ‘thank you’ as well.”
