Today marks a historic appointment within the Government of Sint Maarten as Florence Marlin becomes the first official Secretary General (SG) of the Ministry of Justice. His Excellency Governor Ajamu Baly presided over the swearing in ceremony, administering the oath of office to Ms. Marlin.
The prestigious ceremonial event took place at the Governor’s office in Philipsburg,
whereby the Honorable Minister of Justice, Anna E. Richardson, family and friends
gathered to witness this occasion. Marlin’s concrete appointment comes as a testament
to her expertise, and role in public service. As Secretary General of the Ministry of
Justice, Marlin will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Ministry, working closely
with the Honorable Minister of Justice to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and
integrity. The independent Auditor and Consultant for government entities, SOAB,
conducted the publication and selection process to which Ms. Marlin emerged as the
successor as of February 1, 2024.
With a career bridging over two decades, Marlin brings experience with comprehension
of the justice administration to her new role. The native of St. Maarten started out in the
medical field as a certified Medical Assistant. She then ventured out in the profession of
Human Resources Management (HR) and has utilized her extensive background and
experience in HR Management and Labor throughout her multifaceted career. She
firmly believes that hard work, dedication and faith are catalysts for greatness.
Marlin previously served as the Head of the Personnel & Organization Department on
St. Eustatius for eight years, showcasing her leadership capabilities and organizational
expertise. Additionally, she spent six years as an Investigator at the Bureau
Ombudsman (High Council of State), further solidifying her expertise in matters of
governance and investigations.
Her higher learning concluded in the Netherlands in 2000, where she equipped herself
with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in her field.
SG Florence Marlin – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” is the
biblical verse that has guided me throughout my life, empowering me to overcome
challenges and persevere in my professional and personal life. I’m also steadfast in my
commitment to lead with integrity and to make a positive difference for our community.”
Minister Anna E. Richardson – “I am elated for this historic milestone in the Ministry of
Justice. For the first time since 10-10-2010, we have identified and officially appointed a
Secretary General, and it brings me immense joy to share that Ms. Marlin, a woman of
exceptional leadership qualities, now holds this prestigious position. I extend my
heartfelt gratitude to SOAB for their invaluable support in ensuring a thorough and
proper process in identifying the Secretary General. This achievement marks a
significant step forward, responding to the calls from monitoring councils like the Law
Enforcement Council and the Progress Committee. Their persistent advocacy for the
appointment of an official Secretary General instead of relying on interim appointments
has now been realized. With this, we close a chapter of uncertainty and usher in a new
era of sustainability within the Ministry of Justice.
I extend my warmest congratulations to Ms. Marlin and her family on this well-deserved
appointment. This accomplishment is not only a personal success but a collective
achievement for the Ministry of Justice and its partners. Together, we continue our
journey towards ensuring proper governance and sustainability in the pursuit of justice.
Sincere congratulations to all involved in reaching this significant milestone.”
The appointment also reinforces Government’s commitment to advancing a diverse and
inclusive leadership landscape.