~MPs challenge the government on revenue generation, GEBE, healthcare, policing, housing, tourism, and billions in public spending.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- What began as Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs' presentation of a Cg. 647 million national budget quickly turned into a marathon of scrutiny as Members of Parliament fired hundreds of questions at the Council of Ministers, demanding concrete timelines, measurable results, and accountability for virtually every ministry.

Rather than focusing solely on expenditure, opposition MPs repeatedly challenged the government to explain how it intends to generate additional revenue, deliver long-delayed projects, and ensure taxpayers receive value for money from the largest budget in the country's history.

One of the dominant themes throughout Friday's Central Committee meeting was that St. Maarten cannot continue increasing government spending without simultaneously increasing government income.

MP Francisco Lacroes made that point clear when he argued that every budget debate focuses on expenditure, while revenue generation remains largely absent.

"No budget debate is complete without a credible plan to earn, collect, enforce, and protect St. Maarten's revenue," he stated before announcing that many of his questions would focus specifically on the government's revenue strategy.

Revenue generation under the microscope

MP Omar Ottley questioned why the government has not reintroduced temporary fuel tax relief similar to measures implemented in 2021 and 2022 when gasoline prices surged.

He reminded Parliament that previous governments successfully provided relief at the pumps and asked Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs why similar measures cannot be implemented now, despite the government's stronger-than-expected first-quarter financial results.

MP Lacroes also questioned why Parliament has still not held the long-requested meeting dedicated exclusively to revenue-generating measures.

He noted that Parliament requested the meeting in December 2025 but said it was repeatedly postponed without explanation, despite the government continuously complaining about insufficient financial resources.

Among his proposals were introducing annual licensing fees for foreign company directors, maintaining property taxation for foreign investors while exempting locals, and examining additional revenue streams similar to neighboring islands.

MP Lyndon Lewis also pressed the government on its projected increase in tax revenues, asking what assumptions underpin the projected Cg. 647 million revenue target and how much additional revenue the government expects to generate through stronger tax compliance rather than higher taxation.

He demanded updated figures on outstanding tax arrears, the value of collectible taxes, and the government's strategy for modernizing tax administration and digitizing financial services.

GEBE dominates questioning

The troubled utility company again emerged as one of Parliament's biggest concerns.

MP Ottley demanded an update on the approximately Cg. 74 million to Cg. 76 million loan approved to purchase new generators, asking why no generators have yet been delivered despite taxpayers already assuming responsibility for repayment.

He questioned whether inflation has made the generators unaffordable and asked the government to explain exactly where the procurement process currently stands.

MP Lacroes expanded the questioning significantly.

He asked who is politically responsible for GEBE, whether the Prime Minister or another minister serves as shareholder representative, what legal authority the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post (BTP) actually possesses over electricity tariffs, and requested clarification on the resignation of a GEBE Supervisory Board member.

He further requested the curriculum vitae of every current board member, questioned whether their vision aligns with the government's policy objectives, and sought a detailed chronological timeline explaining why Parliament-approved financing for new generators has yet to result in their purchase.

Healthcare and SAHA

Healthcare financing generated another lengthy exchange.

MP Ottley warned that General Health Insurance, now referred to as SAHA, can no longer remain on the drawing board while healthcare deficits continue increasing.

He asked whether government still intends introducing the legislation this year, questioned the planned Cg.800,000 allocation for SAHA, and warned that continued delays could deepen the financial problems facing SZV.

He also called for the government to finally implement health insurance coverage for sole proprietors, bus operators, and taxi drivers—legislation he said has been awaiting action since receiving advice from the Council of Advice in 2024.

Questions for every ministry

Members also challenged ministers across the entire Council of Ministers.

Among the issues raised were:

• Fire Department staffing shortages, outstanding overtime, salary corrections, and retroactive payments.
• Police manpower, Coast Guard salary allocations, and delayed justice reforms.
• Affordable housing, cemetery space, drainage works, and road rehabilitation.
• Tourism marketing effectiveness and diversification beyond cruise tourism.
• Delays in business licenses and building permits.
• Teacher shortages, school maintenance, youth programs, and sports funding.
• Mental healthcare, ambulance capacity, and specialist waiting lists.
• Public sector vacancies, reliance on consultants, and digital government initiatives.

The budget debate now moves into the response phase, where ministers will be expected not only to defend their spending requests but also to answer one of Parliament's recurring questions: how the government intends to pay for its expanding responsibilities while delivering measurable improvements to the people of St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Employment Services Center (NESC), a Department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), has
intensified preparations for the Third National Job Fair, scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In advance of the event,
participating businesses and job seekers will also be invited to an exclusive Business Networking Event on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the National Institute for
Professional Advancement (NIPA).
As part of the lead-up to the event, NESC Business Services Officers will conduct targeted outreach and visits to businesses across sectors to promote participation in the National Job Fair and assist employers in completing all aspects of the registration process. Through direct engagement, the NESC aims to ensure that businesses are fully supported and able to maximize the opportunities presented by the event.

As Sint Maarten continues to experience positive economic growth and expanding opportunities across key industries, investing in the local labor force remains essential to sustaining that momentum. While the country’s economic outlook remains encouraging, youth unemployment remains a significant challenge, with many young adults struggling to enter the labor market and gain valuable work experience.
Against this backdrop, the third National Job Fair serves as more than a recruitment event.
It represents a national investment in people, partnerships, and prosperity. By bringing together employers, job seekers, educational institutions, and key stakeholders, the initiative seeks to strengthen workforce participation, enhance employability, and ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared more broadly throughout the community.
The NESC is honored to have the support of the Honorable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten/ Deputy Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Dr. Luc Mercelina, who recently signed the participation agreement for the upcoming event in the presence of the Business Services team. His endorsement underscores the national importance of this initiative and reflects the government’s continued commitment to strengthening employment opportunities and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Acting Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) and Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina stated, "A strong economy must create opportunities for everyone. As our country continues to grow, we must ensure that our people—especially our young people—are equipped to participate, contribute, and succeed. The Third National Job Fair reflects the Government's commitment to connecting talent with opportunity, strengthening partnerships with the private sector, and building a workforce that is resilient, competitive, and prepared for the future. Every job created strengthens a family, every opportunity transforms a life, and every partnership we build today contributes to a stronger Sint Maarten tomorrow. I encourage every employer to invest in local talent and every job seeker to embrace this opportunity with confidence, determination, and hope."
Building on the success of previous editions, the upcoming National Job Fair will once again provide a platform for employers to connect with local talent while fostering stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. In addition to recruitment opportunities and business networking, the 2026 edition will showcase a significant step forward in the modernization of employment services.

The NESC will officially unveil the first-ever National Job Portal, an innovative digital platform designed to enhance connections between employers and job seekers. The portal will provide businesses with a modern tool to advertise vacancies and access local talent, while offering job seekers greater access to employment opportunities and career resources. The introduction of the platform reflects the NESC’s continued commitment to innovation and to building a labor market that is responsive to the evolving needs of a growing economy.

The National Job Fair also builds upon the strong foundation established through the successful editions held in 2023 and 2024. The NESC recognizes the outstanding efforts and dedication of its Business Services Officers, Mr. Maquidu Frevry and Mr. Lynroy Rey, whose continued engagement with the business community and commitment to fostering public-private partnerships have been instrumental in the growth and success of the National Job Fair. Their efforts have helped establish the event as one of Sint Maarten’s premier workforce development initiatives and have strengthened the relationship between
employers and the National Employment Services Center.
In keeping with the NESC’s vision for modern and accessible employment services, the development and implementation of the National Job Portal have been supported by the work and technical contributions of Mr. Edy Esnat, whose efforts have helped bring this important initiative to fruition as part of the NESC’s broader modernization agenda.
According to the NESC, these initiatives underscore the importance of investing not only in the nation’s workforce but also in the dedicated public servants who work tirelessly behind the scenes to connect talent with opportunity and support the sustainable growth of Sint Maarten’s economy.

The NESC encourages businesses, organizations, and industry leaders to view their participation not only as an opportunity to recruit qualified candidates but also as a
strategic investment in the future of Sint Maarten. By creating employment opportunities, internships, apprenticeships, and career pathways for local talent, businesses play a vital role in reducing unemployment, empowering youth, and ensuring that the country’s economic growth translates into shared prosperity for all.
Employers interested in participating are encouraged to register early and take advantage of the support being provided by the NESC Business Services Officers. Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to developing local talent, Sint Maarten can continue building a more inclusive, competitive, and future-ready workforce.
For more information regarding participation in the Third National Job Fair 2026, businesses are encouraged to contact the National Employment Services Center (NESC) at +17215236390 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:--- On July 1^st, 2026, in commemoration of the 163^rd Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery, the Government of Sint Maarten will present the official Emancipation Day ceremony at the Belvedere Plantation on the Oyster Pond Road. The official ceremony will begin at 8:00 am and end at 10:00 am. The program will feature official addresses, poetry, cultural song and dance performances, information tours, and a historical presentation on the Belvedere Plantation.

All residents and guests of the island are invited to the official ceremony, but please be aware that, due to limited parking at the venue, a special “Shuttle Bus” service will be available at the Belvedere Residential Housing roundabout to transport attendees back and forth from the ceremony.

Every year, the Department of Culture organizes the Emancipation Day ceremony at different venues throughout the island as a means to raise awareness and to bring the community together as one people to reflect on the atrocities and inhumane conditions that our ancestors experienced. This year, 2026, the commemoration of Emancipation Day has been made possible in part by the Slavery Memorial Committee and the St. Maarten Development Fund, who have collaborated with the Department of Culture within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport.

The Belvedere Plantation, which is on the official Monument List, is one of our most important cultural & historical sites and provides an appropriate setting for this annual event. The Belvedere Plantation main house is estimated to have been built around 1840, and research at the site indicates that two sugar factories existed on the plantation, one of which was in close proximity to the main house.

In early December 2025, Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs Jr. and Minister of ECYS Melissa D. Gumbs jointly announced the finalization of the purchase of “Belvedere Remainder,” which has a total land area of 288,402 m2 (71.3 acres or 28.8 hectares). The property has been divided into 2 parcels: Belvedere Remainder North and Belvedere Remainder South. The second parcel, “Belvedere Remainder South”, encompassing 158,183 m2, has been allocated to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport.

Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport, the Honorable Melissa Gumbs, said, “The intention is to ensure that restoration projects are prioritized and that development of Belvedere South is strictly aimed at the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage.

Annually, Emancipation Day is commemorated on July 1^st, which was the first public holiday established by the Parliament of Sint Maarten since becoming a Country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands on October 10^th, 2010. This year’s theme, entitled “Buss di chain & free your…” encourages all persons in our community to take time to reflect on the impact of Slavery Past and how this experience has affected their past, present and future lives.