PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – The Prisonworkers Activity Club officially opened Prison Week 2026 under the theme “It’s Time to Shine,” welcoming prison personnel from Sint Maarten, Suriname, Curaçao, and Bonaire for a week dedicated to recognizing their service, professionalism, and commitment.
Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, invited to deliver the opening remarks, highlighted the essential role prison personnel play every day, not only in maintaining safety and security, but as the first line of rehabilitation through their daily interactions, guidance, and accountability.
She also acknowledged the strong ties among prison services across the region, thanking Suriname, Curaçao, and Bonaire for their continued partnership with Sint Maarten, and encouraged personnel to use the week to exchange experiences, strengthen connections, and learn from one another.
Prison Director Steven Carty welcomed the visiting delegations and his own staff, noting that “resilience is something that we at the Point Blanche Prison know very well.” He commended the organizing team for building the event from scratch and making it happen.
“We are still here. We are rebuilding and we are moving forward. A new prison is on the horizon, and together we are preparing for a new chapter in corrections on Sint Maarten,” Carty said.
President of the Prisonworkers Activity Club Andricia Arrendell-Richardson opened her remarks with the words “Welcome Home,” observing that although participants had come from different countries, they had gathered as one Prisonworkers family
She thanked her team, colleagues, and sponsors for their cooperation in making the event possible.
“This week is about more than a program of activities,” she said. “It’s about the men and women who walk through correctional gates every day to perform a profession that much of society will never fully understand.” She closed by affirming that, on behalf of the Prisonworkers Activity Club, the prisonworkers family is together—and, in keeping with the theme, “It’s Time to Shine.”
