Minister of Justice Meets with UNOPS on Potential New Prison for Aruba
ORANEJSTAD - During his visit to Sint Maarten, Minister of Justice, Arthur Dowers, in addition to his participation in the JVO meetings, held discussions with senior officials of the United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS).
UNOPS is primarily active in Sint Maarten in support of recovery and reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Irma, which severely impacted the island in 2017. In addition, UNOPS is providing support for the expansion of the Pointe Blanche Prison, as the organization has extensive expertise in the technical, financial, and operational supervision of public-sector projects.
UNOPS supports the management of large-scale reconstruction projects funded by international partners, ensuring transparent procurement, integrated project management, and compliance with international standards. Its work focuses, among other areas, on the reconstruction and improvement of schools, medical facilities, and public infrastructure.
The meeting took place within the framework of ongoing preparatory activities for the development of a new prison in Aruba under the supervision of UNOPS. Within two weeks, UNOPS will visit Aruba to deliver a presentation on the development plans for a completely new correctional facility, in light of the alarming state of deterioration of the KIA penitentiary in Santo di Patia.
During the visit, Minister Dowers met with Deputy Regional Director Giuseppe Mancinelli, Head of Programme William Gonzalez, and Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Dalila Goncalves to discuss opportunities for cooperation and sustainability in future reconstruction projects.