NSI addresses concern over bag checks at Raoul Illidge Sports Complex

GREAT BAY--A concerned citizen contacted The People’s Tribune with a concern about bag checks being conducted at the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex (RISC), questioning whether patrons are being properly informed and whether such checks are being carried out legally.

The complainant noted that posted facility rules outline expectations for patrons, but do not explicitly state that visitors may be subject to searches of personal property, including handbags. The citizen called for clearer communication to patrons before entering the grounds and asked whether NSI has a legal basis for these checks.

In response, Director of the National Sports Institute (NSI) Jisk Goslinga explained that the match in question was an officially regulated football match organized by the Sint Maarten Football Federation (SXMFF), which rents the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex. Goslinga stated that as the event organizer, and in accordance with the user agreement, SXMFF is responsible for ensuring public order and safety during the event.

Goslinga said that for public safety reasons, non-intrusive bag checks, including handbags, may be conducted as a condition of entry to the facility. He explained that the purpose is to prevent prohibited items, including weapons, from entering the venue, a prohibition that is also reflected on entrance signage.

He added that NSI has required enhanced safety measures from event organizers due to past incidents involving weapons being brought onto the premises, and that these measures are intended to reduce risks and support safer events.

According to Goslinga, the safety checks conducted at SXMFF matches are applied uniformly to all visitors, without exception or profiling, and do not constitute police searches. He emphasized that entry to the facility is voluntary and that patrons who do not wish to comply with the conditions of entry are free to decline entry.

“As the facility operator, NSI has a duty of care and is entitled to set reasonable conditions of entry in the interest of public safety,” Goslinga said. He acknowledged that current signage at RISC reflects the SXMFF facility’s house rules, including the prohibition of weapons, and indicated that NSI will review whether additional clarification can be added by explicitly referencing safety checks.

Goslinga said NSI remains committed to strengthening standards across the sports sector and welcomed feedback from the public as part of ongoing efforts to professionalize facilities step by step.

“Our main objective remains to provide a safe, secure, and enjoyable environment for everyone attending events at RISC or any other sports facility,” he said.

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