Philipsburg, Sint Maarten – As part of the ongoing Detention Sector Reform Program (DSRP), the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with its implementing partner, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), last month piloted a structured sports and physical fitness program at Point Blanche Prison. The initiative forms part of broader efforts under the DSRP to strengthen rehabilitation and support a more structured approach to detention and reintegration.
The initiative brought together prison staff, local sports organizations and prisoners in a collaborative effort to design and test a sustainable weekly program of sports and physical fitness activities, tailored to the operational realities of the Point Blanche Prison. The initiative was delivered by two experts from the United Kingdom specializing in health, fitness and rehabilitation programming in correctional settings.
A key focus of the program was building the capacity and ownership of prison staff, alongside identifying peer facilitators so the program can continue and expand even after the departure of UK experts. In light of this, discussions were held with targeted stakeholders such as the Sint Maarten Sports Federation, National Institute for Sports (NIS), and the MECYS Department of Sports to strengthen local partnerships, explore volunteer engagement and coaching support going forward.
The program responds directly to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, which recognize sport and physical activity as integral to rehabilitation. Adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015, the Rules set the minimum global standards for the treatment of prisoners. Rule 23 specifically requires that every prisoner be offered at least one hour of suitable outdoor exercise daily, and that young prisoners and others of an appropriate age and fitness be given the opportunity for physical and recreational training during this time. Rule 4(2) more broadly calls on prison administrations to provide education, vocational training, work and other forms of sports-based programming that support prisoners’ rehabilitations and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
“We saw prisoners who would usually not participate in any program, come out to join the sports activities and that’s a really good thing”. – Mr. Steven Carty, Prison Director
Throughout the initiative, a total of 36 prisoners, about 45% of the prison population, took part in a rotating schedule of activities including fitness circuits, basketball, football, yoga and structured recreational games, organized strategically to balance broad participation, with safety and supervision. Once fully implemented, the program is designed to enable at least half of the population to take part in structured activities at least three times a week. For many at Point Blanche, the impact was felt almost immediately. According to many prisoners, the program facilitated the easing of everyday tensions and fostered a calmer atmosphere throughout the week. Sports equipment was also donated to the prison to facilitate basketball, football and fitness circuit activities.
This intervention also included participants detained in Miss Lalie Center (MLC). The program culminated in a tournament of football and basketball by the various teams while others turned out to watch and support.
“The exercise helped to calm down a lot of tensions within the prison. After the exercise the overall mood improved, and everyone was too tired to argue. Every day was something to look forward to.” – An inmate at Point Blanche Prison
This program has not been developed in isolation. Structured physical activity is increasingly recognized internationally as more than a recreational add-on in corrective settings. Research into prison-based exercise programs has linked regular physical activity to reduced stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms, improved sleep quality, and lower levels of aggression and disciplinary incidents among incarcerated populations. Programs that help prisoners exercise regularly can support a cycle of improvement, easing daily stress, supporting better sleep, and contributing to calmer, safer facilities for both prisoners and staff. These outcomes closely align with the objectives of the DSRP, which sees constructive structured activity as a practical tool for improving day-to-day conditions in detention, while laying the groundwork for successful reintegration after release.
“The difference was noticeable almost immediately. The inmates were calmer, they were sleeping better, and the overall atmosphere in the prison changed. The activities gave them something positive to focus on, and that had a real impact on their mental well-being. It showed us that something as simple as structured sport can make a real difference.”
Ms. Lydia Richardson — Prison Officer
Building on the success of the pilot, The Ministry of Justice and its partners have committed to working with local sports providers to further develop and deliver a structured program of sports and recreational activities based on the schedule tested during the pilot, with implementation expected to commence this quarter. In the meantime, the momentum continued as prison officers led a series of inmate tournaments, reinforcing the program’s objective of embedding sport as a regular and sustainable part of prison life.
