Dear Editor,
Allow the NAPB to first give a much-needed update to its members, the community in general and the media outlets.
The dynamic board has taken note of so many sad incidents that have taken place lately to its members. These sad events end up that our members are getting caught up in wrongdoings, which the board absolutely does not support. We condemn these actions and wrongdoings.
The NAPB would want to make a statement, not to defend the acts of wrongdoings, but to explain the situation of its members. The story of its members is already known worldwide. So, going back to explain makes at this moment, no added value. Of course, NAPB again cannot justify their actions, but we have their back 100%, to a due process. I would like to add that our members in these Justice Organisations, as KPSM, Immigration are not corrupt, but it is the circumstances that we are in at this present moment and are experiencing now, is what is leading the weak ones or the ones who are becoming hopeless, to get caught up in these acts of wrongdoings.
The fear that is being created by the leaders of each of these organisations into the members, knowing their suffering, most of the time, lead that it results in unnecessary sick leave calls, as a form of protest and fatigue. Imagine an understaffed Immigration personnel at the airport. Some weeks ago, in the CCSU, meeting the members of this prestigious platform, together with the Honourable Minister of Justice finalised, the put the final touch on our Rechts Positie Besluit for the Federal Detectives, members of the Immigration, Border personnel and Mobile Unit and the KPSM. We are reaching to finalisation in order to better the members’ future.
The NAPB hereby publicly thanks the members of the CCSU for their support. And yes, as each day goes by, it feels like a year. But my pledge, my humble request to my members, let us exercise the much-needed patience for now. Everything appears to be over soon. The community has already started to lose confidence in the Justice system. And I do understand the community. We as an organisation and as individuals working in the Justice system, have a huge damage control to do. And trust me it will not be easy, but it can be done. And it is very sad, if the community that paid our salary, and is willing to adjust our salary in order to be served and protected, is losing trust in the justice system. But to my community also I, as president of the NAPB, I plead with you to understand our situation.
I know that within this lovely community, there must be one or more of you who have a family member, son, daughter, cousin, niece, nephew, who works for these organisations and know their situation. I plead with you all to be there for them. I plead with you to assist them if you notice something is wrong. To my colleagues at the KPSM, I am telling you, Sint Maarten needs you. Your Union needs you. I as president need you to continue to serve and protect this community. This community has done nothing wrong to us and so far, supports us to get what is owed to us. So, it is time for us to continue to do what we are called for. We are the pride of the Caribbean; I dare to say this.
With all our issues outside our reach, we always get the job done and nobody knows how we get it done with our little resources. I know that when our salary is adjusted it still will not be enough and valued the same way it had to be 12 years ago. Because a NAf. 100 bill is not worth what it was worth 12 years ago. Your gas tank that you used to fill a couple of years ago with NAf. 50 is now NAf. 150. It is just not fair.
But let us be grateful and thankful that we do have a job. Like I always said, we will prevail. This statement, our issues are not just about the money. It is about the self-respect, morale and value of each of us as an individual in these organisations, which are not being adhered to by our leaders. There are more issues than money alone. But together with our members we will slowly but surely overcome these issues.
Our job is so unfair that we hardly get a second chance. Everyone agrees that we must allow someone who was involved in a wrongdoing, when they repent, to allow them a second chance. I agree with that statement. Nobody is perfect. I am once more appealing to our leaders to stand up for your workers. Without them you are nobody. In order to adhere to our commitment to improved communication, the board of the NAPB sees the need to address these issues, which have been bothering us, the community and its members.
We will continue to work in the interest of our members, improving communication among stakeholders, the Ministry of Justice and its members. Those hiccups we are busy improving. While others are receiving their well-deserved holidays off, we will continue 24/7 to ensure their safety and security. We will do like always, our utmost best, with the little resources at our disposal to guarantee just that.
In closing, I will leave you with this message: I know you are frustrated. I know you are becoming frustrated. But to rush and look for shortcuts will only bring ruin. Discipline, moderation and positive thoughts are the pillars of a stable mind. Do not forget, you would rather count on God instead of people. For God’s help is always nearer than the door.
Do have a very happy Merry Christmas and a joyfully happy New Year 2023. The board of the NAPB will be also sharing their appreciation gift to all its members by Christmas. This is one of the ways we show the gratitude towards our members and continue to add to our motivation.
R.E. Mauricia
NAPB President
