Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
Today's news that government finally has approved the so-called "function book" for the police and prison (see related story) is most welcome. It took 4½ years since achieving country status on 10-10-10, but soon the officers and guards should have clarity on their legal position and the organisational structure in which they must work.
The local board of police union NAPB that was installed in June last year had been worried the issue might suffer more delay due to the looming elections and talk of a change in the Police Force command. The latter has not yet been finalised, while then-Justice Minister Dennis Richardson returned even though the governing coalition changed.
It's unknown to what extent his remaining in office contributed to the progress now reported, but it probably didn't hurt in terms of continuity. Mind you, the document still has to go to the Advisory Council and eventually Parliament, but at least there is now some prospect that it can enter into force relatively soon.
People may wonder what the big deal is, as the law enforcement officials concerned have been doing their work and getting paid. However, it's first and foremost a matter of security and peace of mind, which the "temporary decision" based on which the majority of them are currently functioning simply doesn't provide sufficiently.
Nevertheless, there were also very practical aspects such as the former Windward Islands Allowance not being incorporated officially in the incomes of the police. This in turn apparently affected the pensions of several retirees.
A placement plan and salary packages are included in the proposal, so one can't help but wonder what the financial consequences will be and whether these were properly budgeted for. If not, the funds will have to come from somewhere, because addressing this shortcoming is simply too important especially for a crime-sensitive tourism destination like St. Maarten.
NAPB president Ephewoldus "Joe" Josepha's reaction that the function book automatically will solve 60 per cent of the force's problems may be a bit "over the top," but it's in any case an essential step for which all those involved certainly can be congratulated.
