Tackling on business support: “You can help, but you will not be calling the shots"

GREAT BAY--Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling has moved to clarify public discussion surrounding the Ministry’s recent correspondence with the business community about public safety improvements. Speaking during the Council of Ministers press briefing, the Minister explained that the initiative did not originate from a government request but from the business community itself, which approached the Ministry to explore how it could assist with ongoing security challenges across the country.

“I’ve noticed that on social media, the conversation has shifted to make it look as though the Ministry is begging the business community for support. That is simply not the case,” Tackling said. “Business owners reached out to us and asked how they could help. We responded by facilitating a meeting and outlining some of the Ministry’s immediate security needs. The decision to contribute or not rests entirely with them.”

The Minister emphasized that the list of security priorities shared with business leaders serves as guidance only, identifying areas where additional resources could accelerate implementation. These include improvements in public safety infrastructure and measures to strengthen visible police presence. Contributions, however, are strictly voluntary and not tied to any conditions or benefits.

“I am not begging anyone,” Tackling stated. “You can help if you wish, but the Ministry will continue to carry out its responsibilities within its existing budget. Any assistance would simply allow us to move faster or expand the number of safety measures we can put in place within a shorter time.”

She made clear that private contributions would go toward general island-wide security, not the protection of specific storefronts or commercial areas. “This is about improving the overall sense of safety for everyone in St. Maarten,” she said. “We are not assigning security officers to particular businesses because they contributed. We maintain control and oversight to ensure fairness and transparency.”

Tackling also addressed speculation about whether contributors might receive tax breaks or financial incentives in return. She reaffirmed that no such arrangements exist and that tax policy falls entirely under the authority of the Ministry of Finance.

“There are no special deals, no tax concessions, and no favors being exchanged,” the Minister said. “You can help, but you will not be calling the shots. This is a collective effort for the greater good of the country.”

Turning to the Crime Fund, Tackling explained that while some may assume it could be used to finance short-term security measures, the law defines its purpose differently. The Crime Fund is reserved for education, prevention, and community-based programs aimed at reducing crime and supporting rehabilitation, not for routine or operational spending such as security patrols or policing.

Over the years, the Minister said, the Crime Fund has too often been treated as a “money grab”, diverted from its original purpose. “We are changing that,” Tackling noted. “My administration is committed to restoring the Crime Fund to what it was meant to be, a source for sustainable investments in prevention, rehabilitation, and community engagement.”

Tackling reiterated that the Ministry will continue to execute its own safety plan regardless of private involvement but welcomes collaboration that aligns with national objectives. “We all have a shared interest in making St. Maarten safer,” she said. “If businesses want to assist in that effort, the door is open, but under clear terms of transparency and public accountability.”

The Minister concluded by encouraging dialogue and partnership rooted in mutual respect and understanding. “We all want the same thing, a country where residents, visitors, and businesses feel secure. That means government doing its part, the private sector doing theirs, and everyone working together toward that goal.”

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