Response from the President of NAPB Sint Maarten
(See below the letter that was send to the members of NAPB POLICE UNION.)
Dear Members,
I have taken note of the concerns expressed in the message circulated by a number of members regarding NAPB’s participation in the upcoming joint general meeting scheduled for November 4, 2026.
As President of NAPB, I respect the right of every member to question the Board, express dissatisfaction and demand accountability. That is part of a healthy and democratic union. However, I must also address several statements and assumptions in the correspondence, because there is a fundamental difference between knowing the facts and relying on hearsay, speculation and assumptions.
Let me be absolutely clear: NAPB was not pushed out of the CCSU by WICSU-PSU or any other union. The suggestion that another union dictated NAPB’s departure or single-handedly determined whether NAPB could participate in the CCSU is simply not an accurate representation of the circumstances.
Membership in the CCSU is subject to representativity requirements, including a minimum number of members. Over time, NAPB experienced a decline in its membership numbers, largely as a result of members proceeding on retirement and/or to pursue careers elsewhere. This affected our ability to meet the applicable membership threshold.
That is the factual context that members should understand before drawing conclusions or assigning blame.
It is therefore disappointing to see allegations presented as established facts, particularly allegations suggesting that another union effectively removed NAPB from the CCSU through threats of legal action. If members have information to substantiate such claims, they are welcome to present it. But repeating what someone allegedly said, or what someone heard from someone else, does not automatically make it factual.
We must stop confusing hearsay with facts.
As a union, we cannot demand transparency, accountability and responsible representation from others while simultaneously allowing misinformation and speculation to influence our own internal discussions.
Regarding the upcoming joint general meeting, I want to make another point very clear: cooperation between trade unions does not mean surrendering our independence, compromising our principles or abandoning the interests of our membership.
NAPB does not need to agree with every position taken by another union to engage in dialogue. We do not have to share the same views, history or approach to recognize that there are matters affecting workers that require collective attention.
The fact that NAPB sits at the same table with other unions should not be interpreted as weakness, submission or an endorsement of every action taken by those organizations. It is an opportunity to engage, exchange views and address matters affecting the workers we represent.
Our independence is not measured by how many meetings we refuse to attend, but by our ability to stand firm on our principles and defend our members regardless of who sits across the table.
I also take note of the references to ILO Convention No. 87 and the principles of freedom of association. These are important principles that deserve respect and protection. However, invoking international conventions in a discussion does not eliminate the need to establish the actual facts and understand the applicable legal and institutional framework.
The Board has a responsibility to act in the best interests of NAPB and its members. That responsibility includes making decisions based on facts, circumstances and the long-term interests of the organization, rather than allowing personal disagreements or inter-union tensions to dictate our course of action.
Let me also remind everyone that NAPB belongs to its members. The Board is accountable to those members, and we do not shy away from that responsibility. However, accountability must be based on accurate information and constructive engagement, not accusations built on assumptions.
I welcome questions, criticism and healthy debate. What I will not encourage is the creation of unnecessary divisions within our organization through statements that misrepresent the facts.
If we genuinely want to strengthen NAPB, then we must focus our energy on the issues that matter: improving the working conditions of our members, safeguarding their rights, addressing outstanding National Decrees, appeals on National Decrees, retroactive payments, securing proper representation in consultation structures and ensuring that the interests of justice workers are not overlooked.
These are the battles that deserve our attention.
Let me conclude with this:
NAPB will not be intimidated, dictated to or compromised by any other organization. Equally, NAPB will not allow hearsay, speculation or internal divisions to determine its direction.
We can disagree without becoming divided. We can cooperate without surrendering our independence. And we can demand accountability without abandoning the responsibility to establish the truth.
I encourage every member to seek the facts, ask questions through the appropriate channels and engage the Board directly whenever clarification is needed.
Before we accuse, let us establish the facts. Before we judge, let us understand the circumstances. And before we create divisions, let us remember that we are all supposed to be working toward the same objective: protecting and advancing the interests of NAPB members.
The Board remains committed to that responsibility.
Respectfully,
Marcus Pantophlet
President
NAPB Sint Maarten
