SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Following yesterday’s formal presentation of the draft 2027 National Budget, the board of NAPB Sint Maarten hopes that the coming parliamentary debate will provide clear details on how the budget will strengthen the justice system and fulfil government’s long-outstanding obligations to justice workers.
NAPB recognizes the importance of presenting the budget on time. However, President of NAPB Sint Maarten, Marcus Pantophlet stressed that timely presentation must now be followed by serious examination, transparent debate and eventual approval by Parliament.
“Presenting a budget is the beginning of the process, not the final achievement,” Pantophlet said. “For NAPB and its members, the real question is what will this budget deliver for the men and women who protect our borders, patrol our communities, manage our prison and carry the daily responsibilities of the justice system.”
During the recent 2026 budget debate, government indicated that approximately Cg. 5.1 million would be budgeted in both 2026 and 2027 for financial obligations connected to the long-running placement process. The board of NAPB hopes that Parliament will confirm whether this funding is clearly and securely included in the 2027 draft budget.
“Justice workers have waited long enough for the completion of their placements, corrected national decrees and retroactive payments,” Pantophlet said. “These are not gifts being requested from government. They are outstanding obligations owed to employees who continued serving this country while their legal positions and proper compensation remained unresolved.”
The outstanding retroactive amounts concern the period from October 10, 2010, through December 31, 2022. Pantophlet said the coming debate must provide a clear payment schedule rather than another general promise.
“Workers and their families need to know who will be paid, how much has been reserved, when payments will begin and how long the complete process will take,” he said. “A budget line without a transparent implementation plan will not resolve years of uncertainty.”
The board of NAPB also wants the 2027 budget debate to address serious staffing shortages across the justice chain. Recent information presented to Parliament indicated that only 591 of 1,096 approved positions within the Ministry of Justice were filled.
“Public safety cannot be maintained through goodwill and overtime alone,” Pantophlet said. “Insufficient staffing places additional pressure on the officers who report for duty every day. It contributes to exhaustion, weakens morale and can affect the quality and speed of services delivered to the public.”
Pantophlet said NAPB hopes to see detailed provisions for:
-Completion of all outstanding placements and national decrees;
-Retroactive payments owed to active, retired and former justice workers;
-Adequate insurance, disability and death benefits;
-Recruitment to fill critical vacancies throughout the justice chain;
-Proper equipment, vehicles and reliable communications systems;
-Training and professional development;
-Mental-health and wellness support for frontline personnel; and
-Safe and suitable working conditions at police, immigration, customs and prison facilities.
“Government often speaks about fighting crime and strengthening public safety,” Pantophlet said. “The 2027 budget must show how those statements will be financed. You cannot demand more from justice workers while continuously postponing what is owed to them.”
The board of NAPB is therefore calling on Members of Parliament to question the government thoroughly during the budget debate and ensure that the final approved budget contains realistic funding, deadlines and accountability measures.
“This is an opportunity for Parliament to question the government thoroughly during the budget debate and ensure that the final approved budget contains realistic funding, deadlines and accountability measures.
“This is an opportunity for Parliament and government to demonstrate that justice workers are essential partners, not an afterthought,” Pantophlet concluded. “NAPB will study the details carefully. We hope the 2027 budget will finally translate years of agreements and promises into payments, protection, proper staffing and measurable improvements throughout the justice system.”
