MP Roseburg asks Tackling for updates on crime plan, mental health reforms, and conditional release

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Sjamira Roseburg has written Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling requesting detailed updates on three items under the Ministry’s remit: finalization of the Crime Prevention Policy Plan and its financing, progress on mental health legislative reforms and interim safeguards, and amendments to the Conditional Release Policy to address overcrowding at Pointe Blanche Prison. Citing prior letters, three related parliamentary motions, and the need to align funding and timelines with the 2026 budget, MP Roseburg asks for clear status reports, inclusion of community-based projects, and a copy of the amended conditional release framework.

MP Roseburg's letter to Minister Tcakling follows verbatim:

"As a Member of Parliament, I am writing to request an update on three important matters that fall under the responsibility of your Ministry:

1. The development and implementation of the Crime Prevention Policy Plan, as required by Article 5 of the Regulation on Crime Prevention Funds Ordinance (Landsverordening houdende instelling van een criminaliteitsbestrijding fonds);

2. The progress on mental health legislative reforms, including interim measures to ensure legal representation and judicial review for individuals subject to involuntary mental health care; and

3. The status of amendments to the Conditional Release Policy and related measures to address overcrowding at the Pointe Blanche Prison.

On June 27, 2024, I addressed two separate letters on these matters:

• One to the Minister of VSA, Mrs. Veronica Jansen-Webster, and the Minister of Justice, Hon. Lyndon C.J. Lewis, in which I raised the urgent need for interim legal and procedural safeguards for individuals undergoing involuntary mental health care and proposed temporary policy measures to provide legal aid and judicial review.

• Another to the Minister of Justice, Hon. Lyndon C.J. Lewis, in which I presented the Community Empowerment and Employment Program / Community Growth and Safety Initiative, focusing on strengthening cooperation between law enforcement, community organizations, and residents through youth engagement and prevention programs

Subsequently, Parliament adopted three related motions that reinforce the importance of these issues:

1. The Motion on the Crime Prevention Policy Plan, passed on October 29, 2024, which called for:

• The finalization and submission of a legally compliant Crime Prevention Policy Plan as required by law;

• The establishment of a comprehensive financial framework aligned with the national budget;

• The structured and evidence-based allocation of Crime Fund resources to areas such as prevention programs, law enforcement capacity, youth engagement, community resilience, victim support, and rehabilitation; and

• Biannual progress reports to Parliament on the plan’s development and implementation.

2. The Motion on Mental Health Legislative Reform, passed on January 16, 2025, which recognized the outdated nature of the Krankzinnige Landsverordening and urged the Ministries of VSA and Justice to:

• Implement interim policy measures to ensure government-funded legal aid, timely judicial review, conditional outpatient care, and independent medical assessments;

• Expedite the completion of legislative amendments to align with constitutional and human rights standards; and

• Provide regular updates to Parliament on progress and implementation.

3. The Motion on Conditional Release and Prison Overcrowding, passed in June 2025, which highlighted the urgent need to address the inhumane conditions at the Pointe Blanche Prison. The motion called for your Ministry, in collaboration with the Central Board of Probation, to introduce alternative measures such as conditional release and electronic monitoring, aimed at reducing overcrowding while ensuring public safety. Parliament also took note of your stated intention to revise the existing Conditional Release Policy, and I now seek an update on the progress, scope, and anticipated implementation timeline of these reforms.

In light of these developments, I kindly request an update on the following:

1. The current status and expected timeline for finalizing and implementing the Crime Prevention Policy Plan, including its inclusion in the 2026 Budget;

2. The financial framework being developed to ensure the effective and lawful use of Crime Fund resources;

3. Whether my Community Empowerment and Employment Program / Community Growth and Safety Initiative has been reviewed and considered for inclusion in the plan. If my recommended projects are not being used, then can you please inform me what projects have been decided upon instead;

4. The status of interim mental health measures proposed in my June 27, 2024 correspondence and adopted in the January 16, 2025 motion. The Minister of VSA has informed me that this matter currently falls under your Ministry’s purview, and I would therefore appreciate an update on its progress;

5. The status of the Conditional Release Policy amendments, including any interim measures currently being implemented to relieve prison overcrowding. I would also like to receive a copy of the amended Conditional Release Policy, specifically in regard to the current capacity issue that the prison is faced with.

"The urgency of finalizing the Crime Prevention Policy Plan is further underscored by the opportunity to utilize the Fund to support community-driven projects and youth initiatives, which strengthen community ties and play a crucial role in curbing the rise in crime. Similarly, ensuring legal and procedural protections in mental health cases, and improving conditions and fairness in the criminal justice system, remain pressing human rights concerns that require continued attention and inter-ministerial coordination," MP Roseburg said.

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