PHILIPSBURG:--- Governor Ajamu Baly officially opened the 2026–2027 Parliamentary Year on Tuesday with an extensive policy address outlining the government’s financial, economic, and legislative agenda for the coming year.
Speaking in accordance with Article 46 of the Constitution, Governor Baly made clear that the address represented the policies the Government of Sint Maarten will pursue and should not be interpreted as his personal political program.
The Governor announced that the draft 2027 national budget has already been submitted to Parliament, describing the early submission as an important milestone in strengthening fiscal governance, accountability and financial planning.
According to the policy address, the proposed budget projects:
- Current expenditures of Cg. 662.2 million;
- Revenues of Cg. 670.3 million;
- A positive difference of approximately Cg. 8.1 million;
- Capital investments totaling Cg. 221.2 million;
- Loans amounting to Cg. 5.2 million; and
- Authorization for up to Cg. 52.9 million in financing for capital investments.
The submission comes shortly after Parliament approved the long-delayed 2026 budget, placing added responsibility on lawmakers to thoroughly examine the government’s projections, spending priorities and proposed investments for 2027.
Governor Baly said the budget provides Parliament with an opportunity to engage in meaningful deliberations on sustainable development, sound public finances and the country’s long-term direction.
Tourism Growth Drives Cautious Optimism
The Governor reported continued resilience within the economy, despite uncertainty in the international environment.
Air arrivals during the first half of 2026 reportedly reached 566,722, representing an increase of 21.4 percent compared to the same period in 2025. Cruise arrivals approached one million, reflecting growth of 13.9 percent.
Turnover tax revenue for 2025 increased by 7.4 percent to Cg. 171.3 million.
For 2027, government is projecting real economic growth of approximately 2.2 percent and inflation of approximately 2.1 percent. The debt-to-gross domestic product ratio is expected to remain between 32 and 33 percent.
While those figures offer what the Governor called “cautious optimism,” the policy address acknowledged that Sint Maarten continues to struggle with staffing shortages, weak implementation capacity, administrative backlogs and structural deficiencies across government.
Sixteen years after obtaining autonomous country status, Sint Maarten is still working to establish the administrative systems and institutional capacity expected of a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Screening Law and Public Procurement Legislation Promised
The Ministry of General Affairs is expected to focus on stabilizing government’s shared services, particularly Personnel and Organization, Legal Affairs, Information and Communication Technology and Facility Services.
A screening law for political office holders is also expected to be delivered during the new parliamentary year as part of government’s stated commitment to protecting integrity in public office.
The government further intends to present public procurement legislation and legislation connected to the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force to strengthen financial oversight and prevent money laundering.
Other proposed legislation includes frameworks for the Sint Maarten Tourism Authority, Sint Maarten Gambling Authority, Economic Regulatory Authority, an independent statistical department, the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Agency, a competition authority and an Innovation and Investment Promotion Agency.
Public transportation reform and consumer-protection legislation are also on the agenda.
Waste, Housing and Traffic Congestion
Government intends to establish a modern waste-management system and create a waste authority with responsibility for solid waste and wastewater.
The extension of the Emergency Debris Management Project through 2033 is expected to create an opportunity to complete the closure and rehabilitation of the landfill in accordance with international environmental, health and safety standards.
Governor Baly also announced that the national housing policy has been completed and presented. The policy is intended to establish a framework for affordable and social housing, middle-income housing opportunities and improved spatial development.
Work will continue on the proposed Mortgage Guarantee Fund.
Government also intends to address the island’s growing traffic congestion in cooperation with authorities on the northern side of the island.
Parliament Must Now Examine the Promises
The policy address covered an ambitious range of government priorities, including healthcare reform, education, artificial intelligence, mental health, public safety, tourism, agriculture, housing, climate resilience, labor reform and economic diversification.
The real test, however, will be whether the proposed legislation reaches Parliament and whether the promised programs are implemented within the announced timelines.
Governor Baly closed by emphasizing that strengthening government will require continuity, discipline and cooperation between ministries, Parliament, Kingdom partners, the private sector and civil society.
He wished Parliament wisdom and discernment as it begins another year of debate, legislation and oversight.
