Senior Program Manager Richelda Emanuel intro meeting at Point Blanche Correctional Institution

GREAT BAY--The newly appointed Senior Program Manager, Ms. Richelda Emanuel, paid a working visit to the Point Blanche Correctional Institution this week, where she held a productive introductory meeting with the Prison Director and Department Managers. The session was an important first step in outlining her mandate and building close collaboration with the management team.

During the meeting, Ms. Emanuel elaborated on her responsibilities, which include overseeing the execution of the detention sector improvement program, supporting the Ministry of Justice in strengthening Sint Maarten’s detention system and Rule of Law facilities, and ensuring progress in infrastructure, staffing, and rehabilitation programs, among other areas.

She emphasized that while construction of the new prison is scheduled to begin in the last quarter of this year, her immediate priority is preparing the current organization for that transition. This preparation involves equipping officers and departmental teams with the right procedures and structures now, so that when the new facility is completed, it can be operated effectively from day one.

Her role therefore extends beyond the physical construction of the facility. It also focuses on strengthening organizational frameworks, human resource development, and operational procedures, with the goal of creating a safer and more sustainable correctional system for Sint Maarten.

The discussions at Point Blanche were described as constructive and forward-looking, with a strong emphasis on teamwork. This engagement marked the first of many interactions the Senior Program Manager will have with prison management and other stakeholders in the justice chain as she works to guide and coordinate key improvements within the sector, while preparing the institution and its personnel for the upcoming correctional facility.

The public will be kept informed with further updates as this process continues.

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Photo caption: Ms. Emanuel is pictured second from right with management.

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