PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Finance, Marinka J. Gumbs, has taken decisive steps to ensure the orderly handling of Sint Maarten’s public finances by outlining a clear and realistic path forward for the national budgets for 2026 and 2027.

Following approval by the Council of Ministers on February 10, 2026, the draft 2026 National Budget has been submitted to the Board of Financial Supervision Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CFT) for advice, in accordance with Article 11 of the Kingdom Act on Financial Supervision of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. This submission marks an important step in advancing the 2026 budget.

Regarding the 2026 budget, the Minister acknowledged that it must be submitted to Parliament by September of the preceding year. This timeline was not achieved due to technical delays related to the 2025 budget. 

In reassessing the current circumstances, whilst taking the broader budgetary process into context, the Minister confirmed that the Government will not proceed with an amendment to the 2025 budget. As the 2025 fiscal year has already concluded, proceeding with such an amendment at this stage would not improve fiscal management and would instead further delay progress on the 2026 and 2027 budgets, keeping us trapped in the cycle of annual late budget processes we are trying to break. The Minister emphasized that this decision reflects a conscious and strategic choice to halt compounding delays and to focus Government capacity on advancing the upcoming budgets.

In response, the Minister has implemented an adjusted and realistic planning framework, aligned with the decision of the Kingdom Council of Ministers of January 30, 2026, which called on the Government “to do everything possible to establish the budget as quickly as possible and, where possible, to make up for lost time in relation to the submitted schedule by examining whether certain process steps can be combined or shortened.”

The Government is therefore working toward the submission of the draft 2026 budget to Parliament by May 2026.

At the same time, the Minister emphasized that corrective measures for the 2026 budget are being coupled with early and proactive preparation for the 2027 budget cycle. As part of this forward-looking approach, a meeting will be held on February 12, 2026, bringing together the Council of Ministers and other key financial stakeholders, such as the respective Secretaries General, Financial Controllers, and the Chiefs of Staff, to begin deliberations aimed at establishing the policy priorities for the 2027 budget. The Cft Secretariat will also be in attendance at this meeting, which will allow them to observe firsthand the Government’s commitment to achieving a timely budget for 2027.

By initiating these discussions well in advance, the Minister aims to ensure that the 2027 budget process proceeds in a timely and disciplined manner.

Minister Gumbs reaffirmed her commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and sound public financial management. She underscored that by taking decisive corrective action, making clear strategic choices, and initiating early preparations for future budgets, the Government is working to rebuild discipline, stability, and confidence in Sint Maarten’s budgetary process. The Minister of Finance, Ms. Gumbs, will continue to keep the public informed as the budget process progresses.

Het Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied (CCG) invites organizations on Sint Maarten to submit project proposals that contribute to awareness and commemoration of the trans-Atlantic history of slavery. This open call is being launched in collaboration with het Cultuurfonds (CFNL), with support from De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB).
This call is part of DNB’s program providing a one-time contribution of €500,000 for Bonaire and €500,000 for Sint Maarten, aimed at initiatives that create lasting cultural impact. The program is carried out in close cooperation with CFNL and CCG, who jointly advise DNB on the awarding of contributions.
Update:
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The submission deadline for Sint Maarten has been extended to February 28 - 2026.
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Registration for Bonaire has closed.
Purpose of the Call
Support is intended for cultural institutions and organizations committed to: • the preservation of historical heritage related to the history of slavery; • the development of educational cultural programs that increase knowledge about this past; • the creation of museum or cultural facilities that promote awareness and ensure broad public engagement.
The goal is to support projects that make a sustainable difference in strengthening historical awareness and community connection.

Collaboration
CFNL and CCG jointly advise DNB on the selection of projects. CCG contributes its local knowledge and network within the Caribbean context, while CFNL provides its expertise in project assessment and grant-making. DNB is solely the funder. None of the three parties is involved in the development or implementation of the projects.

Submitting proposals – For Sint Maarten ONLY!

Local cultural organizations and institutions on Sint Maarten may submit their project proposals from
until February 28 - 2026 via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (e-mail)
Important: Before submitting your project proposal, please read the instructions for this call on our website: https://cultuurfondscaribischgebied.com/eenmalige-bijdrage-dnb-voor-bonaire-en-sxm/
Projects will be assessed on cultural impact, feasibility, sustainability, and alignment with the theme of commemorating the history of slavery, with the aim of promoting awareness of the Trans-Atlantic History of Slavery.
More information about the requirements and the submission process can be found at: www.cultuurfondscaribischgebied.com

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) expresses deep concern regarding the number of serious traffic accidents that have occurred during the first five to six weeks of 2026. Tragically, several people have lost their lives, while others have sustained very serious and life-altering injuries as a result of these incidents.
These accidents have had a profound impact on families, friends, and the wider community. KPSM extends its sincere condolences to all those who have lost loved ones and wishes the injured a full and speedy recovery.
Preliminary investigations indicate that factors such as speeding, reduced visibility, wet road conditions due to rainfall, poor lighting in certain areas, and inattentive driving continue to play a significant role in these serious accidents.
In light of these developments, KPSM urgently calls on all road users to exercise greater caution, particularly when driving:
• During rainy or wet weather conditions
• In poorly lit or dark areas
• During early morning and late-night hours
• On roads known for sharp bends or reduced visibility

Motorists are strongly urged to:
• Adjust their speed to road and weather conditions
• Avoid unnecessary speeding
• Maintain a safe following distance
• Ensure vehicles are in proper condition, including lights, tires, and brakes
• Remain fully attentive and avoid distractions while driving
• Put away cellphones and other mobile devices while driving — using a cellphone behind the wheel is both dangerous and illegal

Scooter and Motorcycle Riders:
• Must wear helmets at all times. This is required by law and can prevent serious head injuries and save lives
• Should exercise extra caution due to increased vulnerability on the road
• Must ensure their vehicles have functioning lights and are properly maintained
KPSM reminds all road users that road safety is a shared responsibility. A moment of impatience or negligence can have irreversible consequences. Every driver, rider, and pedestrian has a role to play in preventing serious injuries or further loss of life on our roads.
The Police Force of Sint Maarten will continue to carry out traffic controls and visibility across the island, while also focusing on preventive measures and public awareness.

Together, let us work to reduce traffic fatalities and make Sint Maarten's roads safer for everyone.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has received a donation from the Port of Sint Maarten Group of Companies of a top-quality drone that will assist KPSM in protecting and serving our community better.
As a leading Caribbean destination, maintaining a safe environment for residents and visitors is a shared priority between KPSM and the Port of Sint Maarten. This donation reflects our strong commitment to protecting the island and supporting sustainable tourism development.
The drone will assist with aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, traffic monitoring, crowd control during major events. This advanced technology will improve KPSM situational awareness, efficiency, and response capabilities.
This initiative is a great example of what public-private partnerships can achieve. Through collaboration between government and private sector partners, we can make meaningful investments that improve policing and public safety on Sint Maarten.
KPSM extends sincere gratitude to:
• Mr. Alexander Gumbs, President and CEO of the Port of Sint Maarten Group of Companies
• Mr. Leslie Richardson, Safety & Security Manager
• Honorable Minister of Justice, Ms. N. Tackling
Thank you for your leadership and commitment in making this initiative possible.
KPSM remains dedicated to utilizing modern technology and strategic partnerships to ensure Sint Maarten remains a welcoming destination for all.