Ministry of Justice Provides Continued Update on Pointe Blanche Prison Recovery Efforts http://www.stmaartennews.ai
Sun May 18 2025
Since the incident at Pointe Blanche Prison on May 14, the Ministry of Justice has workedaround the clock to stabilize the situation and restore safety to the facility. Daily assessments,coordinated logistics, and collaboration with local and Kingdom partners remain central to ourresponse.Following the removal of debris from the initial cleaning, a second assessment was conductedby the Inspectorate of Public Health (VSA). This evaluation confirmed the need for specializedpost-fire cleaning due to the lingering presence of soot, smoke residue, and potentiallyhazardous particles. A certified local company has been contracted to carry out the work.
To allow for a more efficient and thorough cleaning process, inmates near the affected wing will betemporarily relocated to other safe and enclosed areas within the facility. The group currentlyheld at the Foreign Detention Center (FDC) will remain there. Discussions are also underwaywith Kingdom partners regarding the potential relocation of female inmates to free up additionalspace for the males.While the current situation is not ideal, the Ministry remains fully engaged in managing thesituation responsibly and is firmly committed to the safety, health, and well-being of staff andinmates. All decisions are being made with these priorities in mind.
The Minister has been briefed on the Prison Director’s decision to temporarily suspend inmaterights and privileges for a period of 72 hours. In the interest of maintaining safety andoperational stability, the minister has extended it for an additional 72 hours, effective May 19. Atthe same time, the Ministry is exploring options to reestablish communication between inmatesand their families through in-person visits, video calls, or other means. http://www.sxmnews.ai
Proposals such as adesignated Family Day with limited recreational activities are being considered, with furtherassessments ongoing.Inmates with injuries sustained during the incident are being monitored and treated twice dailyby on-site medical staff. One inmate was briefly transported to the emergency room but waspromptly returned, as the treatment provided at SMMC aligned with the care already beingadministered within the facility.
The Ministry has contingency plans in place to manage potential delays and remains focused onrestoring stability while ensuring clear communication with inmates, their families, and the courtsystem. While there is no confirmed timeline for full restoration of the affected wing, the priorityremains transparency, safety, and a return to normalcy. Timely updates will continue as recoveryefforts progress.
