Miami, FL:--- Growth Advisors International Network (GAIN), a leading global advisory firm specializing in hospitality technology and innovation, and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the region’s leading hospitality association, proudly announce a strategic partnership designed to empower the Caribbean hospitality industry with transformative technology, education insights, and innovation-focused programming.

This optimized collaboration unites GAIN’s deep expertise in hospitality technology and property transformation with CHTA’s unmatched regional membership network and commitment to advancing the Caribbean hotel and tourism sector. Together, the partners will deliver a suite of high-impact initiatives aimed at assisting Caribbean hoteliers and tourism professionals thrive in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven landscape.

“Our partnership with GAIN comes at a pivotal time as technology continues to reshape the hospitality industry,” said Sanovnik Destang, President of CHTA. “This collaboration enables us to bring timely education, expert insights, and real-world innovation strategies to our members, helping them navigate the complexities of digital transformation and build more resilient, future-ready businesses.”

The partnership will deliver:

Thought Leadership Programming: A membership webinar series focused on topics like AI in hospitality, guest journey tech, revenue optimization, and sustainability.

Innovation Advisory: Optimized tech advisory sessions to guide CHTA members in digital strategy, system selection, and innovation planning.

Enhanced CHIEF Conference Collaboration: Expanded visibility and sponsorship opportunities at the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), including GAIN’s vendor sponsorship support and dedicated speaker stage presentations.

Vendor Preferred Status: Curated solutions and exclusive business models for CHTA membership properties, from leading hospitality technology vendors.

Co-Branded Initiatives: Joint marketing and communications, social media promotions, video features, and on-site visibility at key CHTA industry events.

“GAIN is honored to partner with CHTA, an organization that represents the backbone of the Caribbean’s vibrant hospitality community,” said Michael Cohen, Managing Partner at GAIN. “Together, we’re committed to advising the region’s hoteliers on harnessing technology and innovation to elevate the guest experience, improve operational efficiency, and drive sustainable growth.”

This partnership reinforces both organizations’ dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence throughout the Caribbean hospitality sector.

For more information about GAIN and its services, visit www.gainadvisors.com. To learn more about CHTA and its initiatives, visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday evening, Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs addressed Parliament, delivering a detailed account of the government’s approach to managing costs, reallocating savings, and making strategic investments to secure Sint Maarten’s financial future. Her remarks provided clarity on key measures aimed at balancing fiscal responsibility with meaningful public investments, ensuring that both essential services and revenue-generating initiatives receive adequate funding.

Savings Reallocation Towards Critical Needs

Minister Gumbs highlighted significant progress in reducing the operational costs of various government services, offering specific examples of areas where savings had been achieved. A notable success is the reduction in expenses related to license plate production. Over the past three years, costs dropped from XCG 377,168 in 2023 to XCG 137,684 in 2025, resulting in total savings of approximately XCG 183,000.

“These savings have not been earmarked for specific expenditures,” the Minister explained. “Instead, they’ve been absorbed into the general budget, allowing for more flexibility to address pressing needs in other areas.”

Reallocating unspent funds has enabled the government to prioritize projects in healthcare, education, and infrastructure maintenance. Gumbs emphasized that sustainability is a cornerstone of this strategy, with her Ministry striving to ensure that every saved guilder is effectively repurposed for maximum long-term impact.

Strategic Borrowing to Support Essential Investments

Facing inevitable infrastructure needs, such as the development of schools, hospitals, and roads, the government has adopted a cautious approach to borrowing. Minister Gumbs assured Parliament that all loans are thoroughly assessed for sustainability prior to approval. “We only borrow when it is clear that we have the financial capacity to repay,” she noted.

While not all investments are directly revenue-generating, Gumbs clarified that projects like infrastructure upgrades are essential for creating the environment needed for sustained economic growth. “An improved road network may not generate direct revenue, but it facilitates commerce and enhances tourism, which are critical pillars of our economy,” she said.

The Minister added that strategic investments in foundational systems, such as the prison project and public education facilities, are vital for fostering an inclusive and stable society.

Balancing Public Services and Revenue-Generating Initiatives

Maintaining a delicate balance between essential public services and revenue-generating projects is at the forefront of the government’s strategy. Minister Gumbs acknowledged that public services often come at a cost but are foundational to Sint Maarten’s quality of life. To sustain these services, the Ministry continues to diversify income sources, such as through the introduction of a tourist tax and the enforcement of a 10% dividend tax.

These measures are expected to deliver significant revenue boosts in the coming years, strengthening the capacity to fund public welfare programs while minimizing the financial burden on future generations. Key reforms like improved tax compliance and modern audit processes will further bolster revenue collection efforts.

“Every guilder we invest today in revenue-generating initiatives adds to the financial resources required to maintain a strong foundation of public services,” Gumbs remarked, reminding Parliamentarians that tough choices often must be made to balance short-term needs with long-term goals.

Revenue and Expenditure Trends in 2025

During her presentation, Minister Gumbs provided an update on revenue collection and expenditure patterns for the first quarter of 2025. She noted that the government had exceeded projections by 15 million guilders in revenue while reducing expenses by 19 million guilders during the same period. However, she urged caution and forecasted potential dips in revenue in Q2 and Q3.

“Our careful monitoring of these trends will ensure that we have reserves in place to address any shortfalls while still prioritizing critical projects,” said the Minister, emphasizing that a proactive financial approach is key to maintaining liquidity for daily operations.

Reassessing Cost-Cutting and Revenue Strategies

Gumbs disclosed plans to continue exploring cost-cutting measures across ministries through detailed evaluations of operational efficiencies. Her Ministry is working hand-in-hand with other departments to identify outdated practices, leverage technology, and improve workforce productivity without compromising service delivery.

Further, Gumbs responded to inquiries about potential reductions in parliamentary or ministerial salaries as an additional measure to cut costs. While leaving this decision to Parliament, she encouraged an open dialogue among lawmakers to boost transparency on fiscal matters.

Minister’s Commitment to Accountability

Concluding her address, Gumbs reaffirmed her Ministry's commitment to fostering transparency and accountability in handling public funds. “Our responsibility is not just to maintain the books but to ensure that every investment reflects the needs and priorities of our people,” she stated. The planned adoption of an integrated budgeting system will play a critical role in improving financial reporting processes and enhancing oversight.

Minister Gumbs’ address left Parliament with a clear message that the government remains committed to tackling the current fiscal challenges head-on while simultaneously positioning Sint Maarten for a prosperous future. Through cost-saving efforts, strategic investments, and revenue-enhancing reforms, her Ministry continues to prioritize sustainable growth and accountability.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday evening, Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs addressed Parliament, shedding light on the government’s strategy to modernize the tax system, increase compliance, and strengthen the tax administration. With the 2025 budget under scrutiny, Gumbs detailed a phased approach to tax reform and underscored her Ministry’s commitment to sustainable revenue generation for Sint Maarten.

Modernization Key to Enhancing Compliance

Highlighting the pressing need for reform, Minister Gumbs stressed the importance of modernizing the tax administration to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and build public trust. "Our outdated systems rely too heavily on manual operations, leading to inefficiencies that hinder both compliance and collection," she remarked.

To address these challenges, the Ministry is working to create a centralized, digitalized archive and implement state-of-the-art tax systems. These initiatives are expected to enhance data accuracy and facilitate more effective oversight. Additionally, partnerships with organizations like the Audit Team Sint Maarten (ATS) will empower the tax office to conduct more targeted audits, ensuring fairness and accountability across all taxpayer categories.

"Tax reform is not just about legislation; it is about fixing the infrastructure. A solid foundation will allow us to monitor compliance and enforce tax obligations more effectively," Gumbs explained.

Phased Approach to Tax Reform

Outlining the government's approach to tax reform, Gumbs emphasized the importance of practicality and timeliness. Instead of introducing a comprehensive overhaul all at once, the government will adopt a phased approach. “Tax reform is a broad and complex undertaking that cannot be rushed. By addressing it in stages, we allow for focused analysis, stakeholder consultations, and smoother implementation of each element,” she said.

Key initiatives currently in progress include:

1. The Introduction of a Tourist Tax

Following the receipt of advice from the Socio-Economic Council (SER), the Ministry is making slight adjustments to draft legislation to ensure fairness and alignment with broader economic goals. This tax, once implemented, is projected to create a sustainable revenue stream by capitalizing on Sint Maarten’s thriving tourism sector.

2. Dividend Tax Legislation

With a 10% tax on dividends set to be enforced in 2026, the Ministry anticipates generating an additional 10 million guilders annually. Gumbs noted that preparations are already underway to ensure the smooth implementation of this new measure.

Repealing Obsolete Taxes Legislative efforts are in progress to eliminate outdated tax ordinances, such as the Land Tax and the National Ordinance regulating surcharges on land tax assessments. This move aligns with the government’s broader objective of simplifying the tax code.

4. Data-Driven Reforms

The Ministry has prioritized obtaining relevant data to inform adjustments to tax thresholds and rates. This ensures financial transparency and accountability, a point Gumbs was adamant about. "We cannot move forward with any reforms unless they are built on solid financial analysis. Every percentage point must be justified," she emphasized.

Recruitment and Capacity Building

Tax reform is also contingent on having qualified personnel to administer it. However, Sint Maarten faces challenges in attracting and retaining talent, especially given the outdated function book and uncompetitive salary scales. To tackle this, the Ministry is undertaking initiatives that include salary revisions, updating job descriptions, and hiring an interim Head of Tax to fill immediate gaps.

Addressing capacity issues caused by imminent retirements, Gumbs noted that critical tasks are being temporarily reassigned while new staff are recruited. She also confirmed that 12 applicants are being reviewed for roles in the tax administration, many of whom participated in the recent career fair in the Netherlands.

"The backbone of any effective tax system is its people," the Minister said. "We are taking deliberate and meaningful steps to ensure that our tax offices are staffed with skilled professionals who feel valued and empowered."

Additionally, the Ministry is collaborating with SOAB to improve recruitment strategies and provide ongoing training for existing employees.

Increasing Taxpayer Compliance

Taxpayer compliance remains a challenge across Sint Maarten, and Gumbs outlined various strategies to improve revenue collection. These include targeted campaigns to educate taxpayers and partnerships with the Netherlands’ SBAB organization to provide technical expertise in identifying revenue gaps.

She is particularly focused on addressing businesses that operate on a cash-only basis, emphasizing the need for equitable tax contributions across all sectors. "Every business must play its part. We cannot allow loopholes or evasion to undermine the system," she stated.

A Clear Vision for Fiscal Stability

Minister Gumbs ended on a note of determination, reaffirming her Ministry's mission to create an efficient, equitable, and modern tax system. Her plans extend beyond mere adjustments to include a fundamental transformation of the fiscal framework. "Tax reform is not just about balancing the books. It is about building trust in our institutions, ensuring fairness, and preparing Sint Maarten for a sustainable future," she concluded.

The Minister’s remarks were met with a mixture of optimism from Parliamentarians and cautious questions about execution. However, Gumbs’ comprehensive response, coupled with her transparent approach, left little doubt about her commitment to steering Sint Maarten toward fiscal responsibility and growth.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament and Leader of the United People’s Party, Omar Ottley, during the continuation of the 2025 Budget Debate, called on Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina and the Council of Ministers to treat the issue of GEBE consumer relief with the same urgency and decisiveness shown during the recent generator purchase. According to Ottley, while progress has finally been made, the suffering of residents disconnected from electricity is too severe.

MP Ottley stated that while he is grateful to finally see some sort of progress, he reminded the PM of his motion submitted on October 29th, 2024, calling for concrete relief measures for GEBE consumers, over seven months ago.

Ottley emphasized that the human impact of disconnections is growing more severe each day, particularly with families, elderly citizens, and hardworking residents being forced to pay outrageous and often inaccurate bills just to have power restored. “We’re talking about children, the elderly, and single parents living in darkness,” Ottley said. “This is not just a billing issue—it’s a humanitarian crisis in our own backyard.”

A major point of contention is GEBE’s current policy of requiring 25% of the outstanding balance before reconnection, even for consumers with clearly disputed or inflated bills. I have been advocating for this even during my tenure as Minister of VSA. “I urge GEBE to reconnect customers immediately, and work out fair and reasonable payment plans after the fact. Don’t punish the people for your system’s failures,” he said.

Ottley warned that waiting until July for formal relief mechanisms is simply too long, especially for those who’ve been without electricity for weeks or months. “Where was this patience when it came to buying generators? That process moved at lightning speed. The same urgency must be applied when dealing with the people’s pain.”

The MP closed by urging collective government intervention, not just from GEBE management but from the Prime Minister himself: “We have a moral duty to act faster. It’s time to show the people they matter just as much as infrastructure.”