NAPB union stands behind Police Chief

July 20, 2017

PHILIPSBURG–The Nationale Algemene Politie Bond (NAPB) St. Maarten police union is backing Police Chief Carl John, and is distancing itself from certain statements made by ABVO St. Maarten union advisor Lyndon Lewis Jr., at a recent press conference.
In relating the concerns expressed by members of the unions, Lewis Jr. said a recent press conference that the membership were not happy with what they saw as the dictatorial actions of the current Chief of Police, and had said there was need for a management team in place for the police force. Justice Minister Rafael Boasman had said in response to those comments that a management team was in place for the force and indicated that he stood 100 per cent behind the police chief.
NAPB told The Daily Herald on Wednesday that it condemns the statements made by Lewis Jr. as they relate to the Police Chief. NAPB said Lewis Jr. is not an advisor for the NAPB police union. NAPB said that while it stands in solidarity with other unions and while it is under the umbrella body for unions – the Windward Islands Chamber of Labour Unions (WICLU) – it does not support condemning others.
“NAPB St. Maarten does not have any problems, and never had any problem with Mr. Carl John and his management team. NAPB St. Maarten respects each and every one. Carl John has an open-door policy to speak to any union, and he respects us, so we highly respect the Chief of Police and his team,” NAPB said.
NAPB also said it also respects Justice Minister Rafael Boasman. The union said also that while there were agreements made with the minister on pending matters, it will not let its guard down. “NAPB believes that it has taken quite some time over the past six to seven months now for things to be in place for our members, such as placing our people in the right positions. We do not have a problem with recruiting police from abroad, but we have to stick to our agreement.”
The union’s President Jeanine Peterson and Treasurer Janice Philips said they would like to see St. Maarten get the necessary help it needs. The union said it believes that things can be accomplished peacefully.
On a separate matter, the union said it travelled to Aruba recently to pay its last respects on the passing of the Aruban police officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty recently. The union also commended justice workers in St. Maarten on Justice Week and commended those who have served for more than 25 years. “We must thank you for your service. Job well done and you should stand proud. St. Maarten could not have done it without you. God bless each and every one of you,” the union said.