PRISONWORKERS WEEK 2026 CONCLUDES SUCCESSFULLY ON SINT MAARTEN

Justice

PRISONWORKERS WEEK 2026 CONCLUDES SUCCESSFULLY ON SINT MAARTEN

Thu Oct 15 2026

Under the theme “IT’S TIME TO SHINE. Rising Above & Reaching Beyond,” Prison-workers Week 2026 officially concluded in Sint Maarten, marking another successful chapter in a regional tradition that has united correctional personnel from the Dutch Caribbean and Suriname for more than four decades.
Hosted this year by the Sint Maarten Prison-workers Activities Club, the week-long event, held from October 5 to 11, 2026, brought together prisonworkers from Sint Maarten, Curaçao, Bonaire and Suriname, along with a participant from Aruba’s correctional institution, for a series of sporting, recreational, cultural and ceremonial activities.
Beyond the celebrations, the event provided correctional personnel with a welcome opportunity to step away from the pressures of their demanding profession, strengthen regional relationships, exchange experiences and receive well-deserved recognition for their commitment to service.
The celebrations officially commenced on Monday, October 5, at the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village bringing participating delegations together in an atmosphere of cultural pride and solidarity. The evening featured addresses by the Minister of Justice of Sint Maarten the Honorable Nathalie Tackling, the Prison Director Mr. Steven Carty, and representatives of the participating countries, who emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and the invaluable contributions of correctional personnel.
A significant highlight of the evening was the introduction of six distinguished honorees, comprising of four dedicated staff members and two recent retirees, to whom Prison-workers Week 2026 was officially dedicated. Their selection reflected the importance of honoring those whose dedication and professionalism have made a lasting contribution to the institution and the correctional profession.
The opening ceremony was further distinguished by the presence of the Honorable Sarah Westcott-Williams, President of the Parliament of Sint Maarten, whose attendance underscored the importance of recognizing the contributions of correctional personnel.
Tuesday, October 6, featured a shooting tournament, followed by a softball tournament promoting healthy competition, teamwork and sportsmanship.
On Wednesday, October 7, participants were given a guided tour of the Point Blanche Correctional Institution and the House of Detention, accompanied by an informative presentation by UNOPS and UNODC representatives. The visit provided an opportunity for the visiting delegations to gain greater insight into Sint Maarten’s correctional facilities and operations and gain information pertaining to the new prison for which work has already begun.
The day’s activities continued with an evening volleyball competition among the delegations.
Thursday, October 8, and Friday, October 9, were dedicated to informal recreational and social activities designed to encourage interaction among participants. These gatherings provided a relaxed setting for colleagues to share professional experiences, strengthen existing relationships and establish new connections beyond their respective institutions.
Saturday, October 10, marked the official observance of Prison-workers Day and represented the most significant occasions of the week’s celebrations.
The day commenced with a Church service at the Methodist Church in Philipsburg, providing an opportunity for reflection, thanksgiving and spiritual encouragement.
The service was officiated by Reverend Javid Intiaz, whose powerful and inspiring sermon made a lasting impression on those in attendance. His message resonated deeply with participants, many of whom continued reflecting on and sharing portions of the sermon throughout the day.
The church service was further distinguished by the gracious presence of His Excellency Ajamu Bailey, Governor of Sint Maarten, whose attendance added significance to the occasion and underscored the importance of recognizing the dedication and invaluable service of correctional personnel.
Following the Church service, participants took part in a march through Philipsburg, concluding at the Government Administration Building.
The official Prison-workers Day Ceremony subsequently took place at the ALEEZE Convention Center.
The ceremony featured addresses by the Minister of Justice the Honorable NathalieTackling, the Prison Directors of the participating countries, the exchange of tokens of appreciation and, most significantly, the formal recognition and honoring of the six distinguished individuals to whom Prison-workers Week 2026 was dedicated.
The honorees, whose years of dedication, professionalism, commitment and invaluable service have contributed meaningfully to the correctional institution, are:
Ms. Amparo Sabina-Martina, Ms. Marisol Wilson, Ms. Julia Ambrosina, Ms. Marjonette Reenis-Cathlin, Mr. George Adamus, and Mr. Selvin Williams.
On behalf of Prison Management, Prison Director Mr. Steven Carty expressed heartfelt appreciation to the President of the Prison-workers Activity Club, Ms. Andricia Arrendell-Richardson, and her dedicated team, together with the volunteers and other staff members whose commitment and contributions were instrumental in the successful organization of the week’s activities.
In her remarks, President Arrendell-Richardson likewise conveyed sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed financially, materially or through personal assistance and other forms of support. She acknowledged that organizing an event of this magnitude, particularly in the face of numerous challenges, required determination, teamwork and considerable sacrifice. She emphasized that the success of Prison-workers Week 2026 was made possible through the collective efforts and generosity of all who supported the initiative.
The official proceedings concluded with a luncheon, providing an opportunity for continued fellowship among the participating delegations and invited guests.
Saturday evening brought an atmosphere of elegance, celebration and entertainment with the much-anticipated Grand Prison-workers Dance at the ALEEZE Convention Center.
In keeping with the theme “Time to Shine,” participants exchanged their uniforms and everyday work attire for elegant evening wear in royal blue, gold, white and black.
The occasion provided a fitting opportunity for colleagues to celebrate their accomplishments, enjoy music and dancing, and create memorable moments in a setting removed from their daily professional responsibilities.
Prison-workers Week 2026 concluded on Sunday, October 11, with a closing celebration at the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village where the highlight of the evening was recognizing the winners of the various competitions and the distribution of the trophies.
The gathering brought participants together for a final opportunity to enjoy togetherness before bidding farewell to their visiting colleagues.
The next edition of Prison-workers Week is scheduled for October 2027, when another participating country will have the honor of hosting this longstanding regional tradition.
The successful conclusion of Prison-workers Week 2026 reaffirmed the spirit of regional cooperation and solidarity that has characterized this tradition since its inception on Curacao in 1984.
The Sint Maarten Prison Activities Club, under the leadership of President Ms. Andricia Arrendell-Richardson in closing extended sincere appreciation to all participating delegations, correctional management teams, government representatives, sponsors, donors, volunteers, organizing committee members and everyone whose contributions helped make the event a success.
Special appreciation is extended to the uniformed representatives of the Police Force, VKS, Customs, Youth Brigade and Immigration Department for their participation and support, as well as to Managers Norwin Reenis, Supervisors Omaira Gario and Ronald Lake, Officers Lidia Richardson and Nancy Maria, as well as to all staff members who “held the fort”  throughout the process.
The Committee also expresses its gratitude to the Minister of Justice, the staff of the Cabinet of the Minister of Justice and the Staff Bureau for their assistance and cooperation.
great recognition to all sponsors as it would not have been possible without their valuable support.
Prison-workers Week continues to demonstrate that those who dedicate themselves to serving, protecting and maintaining order within correctional institutions must also be valued, supported and celebrated.
Sint Maarten proudly bade farewell to its visiting colleagues, confident that the friendships strengthened, experiences shared and memories created during Prison-workers Week 2026 will continue to foster cooperation and mutual respect among correctional personnel throughout the region.

In photo (with blue shirts): President, Members and Special Support Team Members of the Prison-workers Activity Club.

Left to right (in blue shirts) Ms. Andricia Arrindell, Ms. Lissaira Ortega, Ms. Urica Raymond, Ms. Sheena Arrindell, Ms. Shenely Thielman-Quirindoongo, Ms Mygalia Gumbs and Ms.  Marilyn Arrindell.

In photo on stage, left to right Honorees: Marjonette Cathlin-Reenis, Julianita Ambrosina, Selvin Williams, George Adamus, Amparo Sabina-Martina. Missing is Marisol Wilson.