Minister Tackling: Zero tolerance will continue, people of St. Maarten will not live in a land of lawlessness

GREAT BAY--Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling on Wednesday said that St. Maarten and its people will not exist in a land of lawlessness and that a zero-tolerance policy will be enforced against those who commit crimes, regardless of origin or circumstance.

Minister Tackling addressed growing concerns about public safety, following a series of robberies and violent incidents in commercial areas and across the island. “We are taking these issues seriously, and we are responding as a Ministry and as a government,” she said.

Tackling noted that public safety, while a shared responsibility, is ultimately under the mandate of the Ministry of Justice. She confirmed that efforts are ongoing to assess recent criminal trends, and she has requested that police prepare a historical overview of crime data over the past five years, not only limited to violent robberies but including general offenses. “We need to have an honest understanding of where we stand. We need to be able to look at patterns, not just spikes,” she explained.

She acknowledged that public perception often fluctuates with high-profile cases. “We’ve seen periods where crime seems to increase sharply and then quiets down. But in order to make the right decisions, we need a full picture. That’s what we’re working on,” said Tackling.

As part of the Ministry’s ongoing response, Tackling confirmed that steps are being taken to re-establish the police substation at Captain Hodge Wharf in Philipsburg. The facility, which was damaged during Hurricane Irma and is owned by the Port of St. Maarten, is now slated for repair with the Port’s support. Once restored, the Community Police Officer (CPO) for the area will be based there again, increasing visibility and response in the heart of the business district.

She also addressed recent calls from the Indian Merchants Association (IMA) for a visible VKS (Voluntary Corps St. Maarten) presence in town. Tackling explained that while the Ministry of Justice does not have direct authority over the VKS, discussions are underway with the Prime Minister and other stakeholders to determine the feasibility of such support. She noted that the VKS is currently stretched thin, with many of its members holding full-time day jobs and already supporting operations at the prison.

“We need to have a realistic discussion about what is possible,” Tackling said. “But we are open to dialogue and coordination because we all share the same goal, keeping our communities safe.”

While enforcement remains a critical pillar, Tackling stressed that prevention is just as vital. She reiterated her call for community organizations to submit proposals to the Crime Prevention Fund, particularly those that support youth, education, and after-school programs. “We have already begun meeting with several foundations to discuss viable proposals, and we hope to use this fund to support well-structured initiatives that can truly make a difference.”

She emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and business preparedness, urging storeowners and operators to adopt safety measures such as security doors and controlled access, especially in establishments with high-value inventory. “We are not saying it is your fault, but we are saying take precautions. Your life is worth more than what is in your store,” she said, referencing incidents where store staff confronted armed robbers. “We do not want anyone taking unnecessary risks.”

Tackling also praised the performance of the police force, highlighting their high success rate in apprehending suspects in recent crimes. “We are not just responding, we are catching the perpetrators, and we are bringing them to justice. That’s an important message to send,” she said.

The Minister of Justice stated that she wants St. Maarten to once again be a place where residents feel safe walking the streets and conducting business. She reiterated that the government will continue to enforce the law and hold individuals accountable when they break it. “We cannot continue in a land of lawlessness,” she said, underscoring the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to a zero-tolerance approach. The Minister made clear that the government will not tolerate anyone, whether from neighboring islands or local communities, who disregards the rule of law.

She also spoke about the broader responsibility shared by the community, noting that crime is not only a legal issue but also a social one. “It pains me to see members of our own population involved in these acts. That speaks to a deeper issue that we must confront together,” she said. The Ministry of Justice, she added, is actively working on crime prevention strategies and continues to invest in the community to address the root causes of criminal behavior.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Luc Mercelina supported the Justice Minister’s stance and confirmed that the Council of Ministers is working closely with the Ministry of Justice and law enforcement agencies to assess the situation and take coordinated action. “I have already met with the Minister of Justice, and together we are engaging the police and the leadership of the VKS,” he stated. “There is a meeting already planned to explore what is possible.”

While acknowledging public concern over a series of recent incidents in the downtown area, the Prime Minister cautioned against drawing broad conclusions. “We’ve had two or three incidents in Philipsburg in a short period, but that doesn’t mean there’s a consistent year-over-year increase in crime in that specific area. The concern is valid, but we need accurate data before jumping to conclusions.”

Mercelina emphasized that the government is responsible for public safety across the entire country, not only the capital. “I care deeply about the image and security of Philipsburg, it’s our tourism center. But I also have a duty to safeguard the whole island, from every neighborhood to every business district,” he said.

Regarding requests for expanded patrols and security personnel, the Prime Minister stressed the financial realities of government. “Yes, we want to do more. We want visible enforcement. But everything comes with a price tag. If we are to increase VKS presence, it has to be budgeted, and our country is facing serious financial constraints.”

He welcomed the idea of public-private partnerships to support safety efforts, particularly in commercial areas. “If the private sector is willing to help shoulder some of the cost, it would allow us to do more, faster. This government wants action, but our greatest limitation is always the budget.”

Both officials reaffirmed that public safety remains a top priority, and that zero tolerance will continue to guide the government’s approach to crime. “We are not giving up. We will continue to enforce, we will continue to invest, and we will continue to hold people accountable,” said Tackling. “We want St. Maarten to be a place where you feel safe to walk, to live, to do business. That’s the goal.”

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