Legal Support pilot Provided through the Community Helpdesk as of September 2024

A significant enhancement to Sint Maarten’s Community Helpdesk is on the horizon. Thanks to a collaborative effort led by Member of Parliament Sjamira Roseburg, in partnership with VSA Minister Veronica Jansen-Webster, policy advisor Herbert Martina, Department Head of Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs Chantale Groeneveldt, and staff member Elba Flanders, preparations for the introduction of a new Legal Helpdesk within the existing Community Helpdesk have been finalized. This pioneering community-based initiative, set to launch in early September, will provide essential legal assistance to the community, extending the helpdesk's existing services to address legal needs.

For MP Roseburg, this addition to the Community Helpdesk fulfills a vision she has nurtured for years: to make legal support accessible to all, regardless of their financial situation. "This has always been my dream," said MP Roseburg. "To see it coming to life within our Community Helpdesk, thanks to the collective efforts of dedicated legal experts and government officials, is incredibly powerful. We've worked tirelessly to integrate this service for the people of Sint Maarten."

The Legal Helpdesk is more than just another service—it represents a beacon of hope and empowerment within a community-driven framework. Embedded within the Community Helpdesk structure, it will provide vital legal guidance, resources, and support to individuals who may have previously struggled to afford legal representation. MP Roseburg emphasized, "Our vision is much broader, but we are beginning with this essential step. This pilot program will launch at the Gaston Boasman Community Helpdesk for the Elderly & Disabled in Hope Estate and will eventually expand to other strategically located Community Helpdesks. This community-based approach marks the beginning of a journey towards a more inclusive legal system for all.”

The seamless integration of legal support into the existing Community Helpdesk underscores the strength of collaboration and the commitment to a community-based model. With backing from key government officials and legal experts, this new Legal Helpdesk is now poised to offer essential legal support to the community. MP Roseburg envisions a future where this initiative evolves in response to the growing needs of the people of Sint Maarten.

In anticipation of the September launch, the Ministry of VSA will conduct awareness campaigns over the coming weeks to ensure that the community understands this new legal service. These campaigns are crucial to making sure that those most in need of legal assistance are aware that help is now available through their local Community Helpdesk.

"As we approach the official launch, I am filled with hope and determination," said MP Roseburg. "This is not just an additional service; it is a deepened commitment to our people. It signifies our promise to continue striving for a legal system that serves everyone, not just the privileged few. Stay tuned, because this is only the beginning of something much bigger."

The Legal Helpdesk within the Community Helpdesk is poised to become a cornerstone in the ongoing effort to create a more just and accessible legal system in Sint Maarten. This community-based initiative demonstrates that with determination, collaboration, and a clear vision, even the most ambitious goals can be achieved.