During his visit to Sint Maarten, in addition to attending Joint Judicial Consultation (JVO) meetings, Minister of Justice Arthur Dowers met with executives from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to discuss a possible new prison for Aruba.
UNOPS is currently active in Sint Maarten, primarily supporting recovery and reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Irma in 2017, which caused severe damage to the island. The organization is also involved in supporting the expansion of Pointe Blanche Prison, bringing extensive expertise in technical supervision, financial management, and execution of large public projects.
UNOPS specializes in managing major reconstruction projects funded by international partners, ensuring transparent procurement, structured project management, and compliance with international standards. Their work includes improvements to schools, medical facilities, and public infrastructure.
The meeting took place as part of Aruba’s ongoing preparations to develop a new correctional facility under UNOPS supervision, due to the alarming state of deterioration of the KIA prison in Santo di Patia. Within the next two weeks, UNOPS is expected to visit Aruba to present preliminary plans for the development of a completely new prison.
During the visit, Minister Dowers met with Deputy Regional Director Giuseppe Mancinelli, Head of Programme William Gonzalez, and Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Dalila Goncalves to discuss opportunities for cooperation and long-term sustainability in future reconstruction projects.
Photo Credits : https://www.noticiacla.com/news/36178
