Anchored in hard work and legacy, 35th Year of the Point Blanche Correctional Institution Commemorated

GREAT BAY--On October 24th, 2025, the staff of the Point Blanche Correctional Institution, PBCI, commemorated its 35th anniversary. The program reflected on the institution’s journey, from its establishment in 1990 to its evolution into a cornerstone of Sint Maarten’s justice system. The celebration, held under the theme “WE ARE SOLDIERS,” took place at the entrance area, which was decorated in a camouflage design, symbolizing the strength and resilience of the staff.

It opened with an official ceremony, featuring an opening prayer by Ms. Verna Lake, social worker at the prison, followed by the song How Great Thou Art by the staff and guests. This was followed by speeches delivered by the Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, Prison Director Mr. Steven Carty, and Corrections Manager Mrs. Henrietta Doran-York.

During her presentation, the Honorable Minister of Justice delivered words of thanks as she commended the staff of the Point Blanche Correctional Institution for their commitment. She also shared a message of hope for the future as she referred to the ongoing detention reform efforts, which will mark a turning point, focused on creating safer and better supported working conditions for the staff and ensuring a system rooted in fairness, accountability, and rehabilitation.

In his address, Director Carty, who started his career in Justice at the Point Blanche Correctional Institution over 30 years ago, praised the perseverance of his staff, stating, “Our path has not been easy, but we have endured. We are still standing strong, committed to maintaining safety, discipline, and rehabilitation while preparing for a brighter future. Within these walls, we have seen challenges, yes, but also growth, perseverance, and the unwavering dedication of men and women who, day after day, continue to carry out one of the most demanding yet vital responsibilities: ensuring security, discipline, rehabilitation, and above all, hope. In recent years, our path has been marked by serious challenges. From staff shortages to facility constraints, from moments of crisis to periods of uncertainty, this institution has been tested. But through it all, one thing has remained constant, that is the commitment of the people connected to this prison. Officers, managers, administrators, support staff, volunteers, partners, each one of you has carried a part of the weight. And for that, I express my deepest gratitude.”

He also emphasized that despite the challenges faced in recent years, the institution continues to focus on progress, particularly with the upcoming construction of the new, modern prison facility expected to begin soon. He ended by thanking Corrections Manager Henrietta Doran-York and her team for doing a great job in organizing the event.

Corrections Manager Mrs. Henrietta Doran-York, who was the first female Prison Officer on St. Maarten, the first female Prison Supervisor, Gevangenis Opzichter, of the Netherlands Antilles, the first female Prison Head Supervisor, and the first official Deputy Director of the Point Blanche Correctional Institution, was also one of those who transferred from the Backstreet House of Detention to the Point Blanche Prison Institution in October of 1990. In her comments, she commended the Director, Mr. Carty, the management, and the staff as they remain standing strong despite the ongoing challenges, noting that there are better days ahead with the building of the new facility.

Mrs. Doran took those present on a trip down memory lane. She recalled that more than 35 years ago, when the construction for the current institution first started and was being built by the company LICCOM, the first corner stone was laid by community stalwart Eulalie Meyers, who served the prison for decades as she ministered to the inmates as well as the staff. She also recalled that the first institution’s head 35 years ago was Mr. Wellington Brooks. Other prominent prison stalwarts such as Mr. Wallace Leonard Sr, Mr. Dennis Williams, and Mr. Joseph “Tony” Arrindell also formed part of the opening of the new facility in 1990. They are all still fondly remembered as their legacy lives on in the memories and through the positive service that the staff continue to give each day. Mrs. Doran-York, in closing, invited everyone to join the staff by reciting the poem “WE ARE SOLDIERS,” which reflected the theme for the event.

During the ceremony, five of the institution’s longest serving staff members, all of whom were already in service at the time of the institution’s opening 35 years ago, were presented with recognition by the Minister of Justice and the Prison Director, as they were commended for their dedication, loyalty, and commitment throughout the decades. Their enduring service, professionalism, and the weight that they continue to carry while executing one of the most demanding roles in the justice chain stands as a testament to resilience, discipline, and pride in duty, which does not go unnoticed.

Those honored were:

Mrs. Henrietta Doran-York, Manager of Corrections, 42 ½ years in service

Mr. Norwin Reenis, Manager of Safety and Correction, 36 plus years in service

Ms. Omaira Gario, Supervisor and Coordinator of Education, Formation and Training, 36 plus years in service

Mr. Ronald Lake, Supervisor at the Corrections Department, 36 plus years in service

Mr. Rikson Martina, Head of the Miss Lalie Youth Detention Center, 35 plus years in service

Following the formal proceedings, guests and staff transitioned into a celebratory and social moment with music, food, and fun, symbolizing unity and the family spirit that keeps the institution moving forward. The atmosphere was filled with gratitude, pride, and optimism as attendees continued to mingle with and congratulate the staff while commending them on their positivism despite the sometimes trying circumstances.

Among those in attendance were the Honorable Minister of Justice Ms. Nathalie Tackling and Chief of Staff Mr. Cecil Nicholas, Chair of the Justice Committee of Parliament Mr. Franklin Meyers, former Chair of the Justice Committee of Parliament Ms. Sjamira Roseburg, Honorable Judge Gerben Drenth, former Ministers of Justice Mr. Dennis Richardson and MP Egbert Jurendy Doran, Chief of Police Mr. Carl John, Chief Prosecutor Ms. Manon Ridderbecks, Head of Customs Mr. Anthony Doran, Head of J&IS Mrs. Cynthia Filemon Clarke, Project Manager Ms. Richelda Emanuel, GED Facilitators Dr. Delroy Pierre and Dr. Yadira Boston, President of the WICSU/PSU Union Ms. Sharon Cangieter, colleagues across the various departments of Justice, former colleagues, and the organizers and hosts of the event, the staff of the Point Blanche Correctional Institution.

The staff expresses thanks to all those who ensured that this event was a memorable one and ensured that the 35th anniversary was more than a celebration of longevity, a testament to resilience, teamwork, and hope for the future, as they trust in the Almighty to take them to the next level.

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