Groundbreaking Ceremony for Pointe Blanche Prison in Sint Maarten
ORANJESTAD – During his visit to Sint Maarten in the context of the meetings of the Judicial Four Countries Consultation (JVO), Aruba’s Minister of Justice, drs. Arthur Dowers attended the first stone laying ceremony at the Pointe Blanche Prison.
This event highlights the importance of Aruba’s broader efforts to modernize the KIA prison. The visit forms part of Aruba’s plans to construct a new correctional facility to replace the KIA prison, which has long been in an alarmingly poor condition and suffers from limited capacity.
Together with, among others, the Governor of Sint Maarten, Ajamu Baly, the Dutch Minister of Justice, Foort van Oosten, the Minister of Transport of Corsica, Charles Cooper, and other officials and invited guests, Minister Dowers received an extensive presentation. The presentation was delivered by Sint Maarten’s Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, and the Director of Pointe Blanche Prison, Steven Carti.
The project addresses the capacity and infrastructure challenges of the current facility, which accommodates 80 male and six female detainees, as well as 15 police holding cells that may legally be used for a maximum of ten days. The new Pointe Blanche project includes a wide range of essential infrastructure improvements. These include a remand detention unit, expanded sections for male and female inmates, facilities for vocational education and training, medical and dental consultation rooms, offices for psychological support, recreational areas, and modern amenities for staff. In addition, the complex will be equipped with state-of-the-art security systems to enhance prison management and staff safety.
According to the development plan, the prison’s capacity will nearly double. Phase one is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027, increasing capacity from 80 to 120 cells. Phase two is projected for completion in 2028 and will expand the total number of cells to 196. This figure is based on crime projections, regional benchmarks, and the country’s economic capacity.
Minister Dowers’ presence at the first stone laying ceremony underscored the importance of regional cooperation and knowledge exchange, as Aruba continues preparations for the construction of a modern prison that meets international standards, such as the Nelson Mandela Rules adopted by the United Nations in 2015.
The new prison in Sint Maarten will be supported by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), which will also be visiting Aruba in the coming days to deliver a presentation on the plans for Aruba’s new prison.