CHW Supports Detention Reform Through Sport and Physical Wellbeing in Sint Maarten

Community Health & Wellbeing (CHW) has successfully completed the first implementation phase of a structured sport and physical wellbeing programme at Pointe Blanche House of Detention in Sint Maarten, working in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Ministry of Justice of Sint Maarten.

Delivered as part of the wider Detention Sector Reform Programme, the initiative represents an important step towards embedding health, wellbeing and purposeful physical activity within the daily routine of the prison, creating a model that is sustainable, practical and capable of delivering long-term benefits for both prisoners and staff.

Building a Lasting Legacy

For CHW, this project was never about delivering a series of fitness sessions before leaving. From the outset, the objective was to create a structured programme that could continue long after our team had returned home.

The programme was designed around the operational realities of Pointe Blanche, ensuring that every element could be safely integrated into the existing prison regime while remaining engaging, inclusive and easy to deliver.

By working collaboratively with prison management, officers and local partners, the programme has laid the foundations for a sustainable approach to physical wellbeing that can continue to evolve over time.

A Week of Collaboration and Achievement

Throughout the week, CHW worked closely with officers and prison leadership to successfully deliver every planned objective.

Key achievements included:

• Designing a structured weekly programme tailored specifically to the operational environment of Pointe Blanche House of Detention.

• Introducing a variety of physical education, recreational and wellbeing activities to encourage participation and establish engagement.

• Developing a rotating-group delivery model that maximises prisoner participation while maintaining operational safety, supervision and security.

• Delivering practical training and mentoring alongside prison officers, building confidence and ensuring long-term ownership of the programme.

• Identifying staff champions and prisoner peer facilitators who will help sustain delivery moving forward.

• Strengthening relationships with the Sint Maarten Sport Federation, the MECYS Department of Sports and local sporting organisations to support future programme development.

Rather than introducing a one-size-fits-all approach, every aspect of the programme was developed in partnership with those working inside the prison each day, ensuring it is both realistic and sustainable.

Putting the Nelson Mandela Rules into Practice

The programme reflects the principles of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules), recognising the important role that structured physical activity plays in promoting health, wellbeing, rehabilitation and human dignity.

Research consistently demonstrates that purposeful activity within custodial settings can improve physical health, reduce stress, support mental wellbeing, strengthen relationships between staff and prisoners and contribute to a safer, more positive prison environment.

By embedding structured sport within the prison regime, Pointe Blanche is taking another positive step towards creating opportunities for personal development, healthier lifestyles and meaningful rehabilitation.

Partnership Driving Positive Change

This project has been made possible through the collaborative commitment of multiple organisations working towards a shared vision.

CHW would like to extend its sincere thanks to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for placing its trust in our team to deliver this important work.

We are equally grateful to the Ministry of Justice of Sint Maarten, the management and officers at Pointe Blanche House of Detention, and particularly Lydia and Nancy, whose professionalism, enthusiasm and willingness to work alongside our team ensured the programme could be successfully integrated into daily operations.

Special thanks also go to Rafael and Helena from UNODC for their guidance, collaboration and continued support throughout the project.

Looking Ahead

Perhaps the clearest indication of the programme's impact came at the end of the week, when both staff and prisoners expressed a desire for the CHW team to stay longer.

For us, that was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people are provided with opportunities to improve their health, build confidence, establish positive routines and be treated with dignity and respect.

While this marks the completion of the first implementation phase, it is only the beginning of the journey.

Community Health & Wellbeing looks forward to continuing its partnership with UNODC, the Ministry of Justice of Sint Maarten and local stakeholders as the programme develops, supporting long-term detention reform through health, wellbeing and the transformative power of sport.

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At Community Health & Wellbeing, we believe that health is a foundation for rehabilitation, resilience and lasting change. Through innovative wellbeing programmes, digital solutions and evidence-based interventions, we work with correctional services and justice organisations around the world to create healthier, safer and more positive custodial environments.