Sint maarten Police press release
Chiefs of police held meeting on Sint Maarten
On Friday May 13th the KPSM hosted the meeting between the chiefs of police of Curacao, Aruba and Sint Maarten. These meetings are held every six weeks, in a rotating manner on each of these islands to discuss the many issues each island is confronted with and to improve and maximize the working relation between the police forces. During the recent meeting which was held on Sint Maarten one of the main topics of discussion was the issue of manpower. The KPSM is struggling seriously with the lack of manpower, nevertheless it has been able, with limited manpower and resources managed to keep the crime figures below average for the first five months of 2016. The KPSM has been in discussions and requested the assistance six extra persons from the Netherlands for the increase in manpower, however to date this has not materialized. The police chiefs from Curacao and Aruba have shown their complete willingness to temporarily assist the KPSM with the necessary manpower until this matter is resolved. (See pic of chief of police during meeting. From L. to R. Chief of Police of Sint Maarten Carl John, Chief of police of Curacao and Chief of police of Aruba Dolfi Richardson)
Extra ordinary officers sworn-in.
On Monday May 23rd five new extra ordinary officers were sworn at the office of the Ministry of Justice by the Minister of Justice Edson Kirindongo. The officers in question are assigned to several governmental departments such as Tax department, Truancy department, V.S.A (inspectorate of labor and Food Safety). After taking the oath the minister congratulated the officers and encouraged them to carry out their duty to the best of the ability and not to abuse the power they have acquired by law. (See pics attached. From L. to R. Nathaly Pieters, Marylouse Rattan-Poulo, the Minister of Justice Edson Kirindongo, Agnes De Polo and Orlando van Duivenvoorde.)
Minister of Justice visits Police Head quarters
On Monday May 23rd 2016 at approximately 11.00 a.m. the Minister of Justice visited the Philipsburg Police Head quarters where he extended sincere words of gratitude to the entire KPSM in particular all the police officers who have worked tirelessly and made sacrifices to ensure to safety of the community of Sint Maarten and the visitors to the island during Carnival 2016. The minister congratulated the officers and informed them that without their tremendous input and sacrifice this would not have been possible. The minister stated that as part of his gratitude to the officers, which he is permitted by law, granted each officer two extra vacation days which they can enjoy before the end of 2016.
In the presence of the officers who attended the ceremony, members of the Prosecutors Office and members of his cabinet, the Minister of Justice then presented the Police Chief Carl John with a plaque, as a token of appreciation, for all members of the KPSM for a “job well done” which reads: “Chief of Police of Sint Maarten and the police force of Sint Maarten. The Ministry of Justice extends its gratitude to the police force of Sint Maarten for their outstanding commitment, devotion, dedication and hard work during carnival 2016. You are an important pillar of our community”. Signed: Edson Kirindongo, Minister of Justice Sint Maarten. (See pics attached. Minister giving speech and presenting the plaque to Police chief Carl John)
Minister congratulates officers for years of service.
While at the police station the Minister of Justice congratulated those officers who celebrate 20 years of service as members of the police force (KPSM) and thank them for the great job they are doing and for the sacrifices they have made and are still making to make sure that the community of Sint Maarten gets the protection it deserves for everyone to be able to live in a safe and secure environment. (See pics attached. Minister of Justice with officers celebrating 20 years)
