Penology in Sint Eustatius (Netherlands)
Penology in Sint Eustatius, one of the Caribbean Netherlands islands, operates within a unique legal and logistical framework. As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Sint Eustatius lacks its own dedicated prison facilities. Instead, it relies on the Netherlands Caribbean Correctional Institution (JICNB) located on Bonaire to house detainees from Sint Eustatius, Saba, and Bonaire.
🏛️ Legal and Institutional Framework
Jurisdiction: Sint Eustatius falls under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, specifically the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security.
Correctional Facility: The JICNB in Bonaire serves as the central correctional institution for the Caribbean Netherlands. It is managed by the Dutch Custodial Institutions Agency (DJI) and has the capacity to house up to 113 individuals, including men, women, foreign nationals, and minors .
🚔 Local Detention Infrastructure
Police Station: Sint Eustatius has a police station equipped with three holding cells. These cells are intended for short-term detention and are not designed for long-term incarceration .
Absence of a Prison: There is no dedicated prison facility on Sint Eustatius. For long-term incarceration, detainees are transferred to the JICNB on Bonaire.
👨⚖️ Juvenile Justice System
Implementation of Juvenile Criminal Law: As of August 1, 2020, juvenile criminal law is applicable in the Caribbean Netherlands, including Sint Eustatius. This law emphasizes a pedagogical approach, focusing on re-education and preventing recidivism among young offenders aged 12 to 18 .
Programs for Youth Offenders: Initiatives such as the Halt programme aim to address minor offenses through educational and community-based interventions, offering juveniles an opportunity to rectify their behavior without acquiring a criminal record.
🏗️ Proposed Penitentiary in Oranjestad
Community Opposition: In early 2019, residents of Sint Eustatius expressed strong opposition to a proposed penitentiary in the heart of Oranjestad, near the police station. Concerns centered around the facility's proximity to residential areas and potential impacts on community safety and well-being .
Current Status: As of now, the proposal has not been implemented, and no new penitentiary has been constructed on the island.
🧭 Summary
Correctional Services: Sint Eustatius does not have its own prison; detainees are sent to the JICNB on Bonaire.
Juvenile Justice: Juvenile offenders are subject to laws focusing on rehabilitation and prevention of recidivism.
Community Engagement: Proposals for new correctional facilities are subject to community consultation and opposition.
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