PHILIPSBURG:--- The 2025 Budget Debate brought heated discussions, challenging questions, and pivotal motions to the forefront as Members of Parliament (MPs) scrutinized government policies and financial strategies. The debate highlighted significant concerns relating to new taxation policies, the distribution of funds, and the overarching theme of transparency and accountability in governance. Here’s a detailed look at the key takeaways from the proceedings.

Four Motions on the Floor

MP Ardwell Irion outlined four strategic motions, ranging from routine matters to more complex issues, all of which were influenced by the questions and responses during the session. His overarching message was a call to end the cycle of finger-pointing, urging Parliament to focus on actionable solutions rather than dwelling on past administrative missteps. This set the tone for a more productive and solution-oriented debate.

The Core Issue: Dividend Withholding Tax (DWT)

Among the most debated topics was the proposed dividend withholding tax (DWT). MPs raised pressing questions about the rationale, timing, and potential impact of this tax. Here’s a breakdown of the key arguments:

Concerns Raised by MPs:

1. Lack of Consultation and Transparency: MPs criticized the sudden announcement during the budget debate, asserting that such significant measures should have been deliberated within Parliament beforehand.

2. Impact on Local Businesses: Although the Minister of Finance emphasized that the tax primarily targets foreign businesses, questions arose about whether local businesses would inadvertently bear some of the burden.

3. Comparative Analysis Across Regions: MPs questioned the validity of comparing DWT to similar taxes in Bonaire, given the stark differences in economic structures, such as Bonaire's lack of a profit tax. They also pointed out that the proposed tax rate makes St. Martin one of the most taxed jurisdictions in the region.

Critical Questions for the Minister of Finance:

• How will the 10 million guilders from DWT be generated, and is this solely from foreign shareholders?

• What guarantees exist to avoid disruptions in cash flow or refund delays tied to DWT implementation?

• Why wasn’t a phased or incentive-based model considered to align with regional norms and attract investment?

Missing Infrastructure:

MPs highlighted the glaring absence of adequate IT systems required for implementing and monitoring the tax. Concerns about delays and unbudgeted costs associated with a new portal raised doubts about the administration’s readiness.

Comparing Administrations’ Contributions

A recurring theme of the debate was the juxtaposition of contributions made by the former and current administrations. MP Irion passionately pointed out that many of the current projects and financial relief measures stemmed from work initiated by the previous government. Examples included:

• Key investments, including infrastructure developments such as concrete side roads, the VSR shelter, and funding for the Prince William Alexander School, came under intense scrutiny, highlighting their roots in the CAPEX funds secured by the former administration.
• Social Support: Measures such as vacation pay, COLA adjustments, and jubilee allowances were also attributed to the efforts of the former government.
• Current Administration's Contributions: While acknowledging some progress, MPs expressed concern over the perceived focus on organizing events rather than resolving critical issues, such as tax burdens and investment stagnation.

MPs echoed the need for the current administration to secure its capital investments for 2025 and beyond rather than relying on rollover funds from its predecessor.

Accountability in Spending and Policy Implementation

A significant chunk of the debate centered on accountability in government spending. MP Irion emphasized that transparency is not optional, calling for greater oversight in:

• Budget Allocations: Questions arose about the discrepancy in concession fees from the Port and their allocation in future budgets. MPs urged the government to direct funds towards essential services like breakfast programs and utility relief.
• Government Lawyer Retainers: MPs raised concerns over the costs associated with having multiple legal representatives across ministries, suggesting a centralized approach to reduce costs.
• Unsettled Debts: The ongoing arrears with SAV (Social and Health Insurance) surfaced as a critical issue, with MPs seeking clarity on payment plans and whether surplus funds could be redirected to reduce the debt.

MP Irion’s call to submit detailed lists of payments above 50,000 guilders, as per prior commitments, underscored the emphasis on creating a transparent financial narrative.

Calls for Tax Justice and Balanced Reforms

• The debate also touched on the broader framework of tax policy reforms. MPs criticized the approach of targeting the business community first, despite proposals to begin with increasing taxes on casinos and lotteries. The absence of carve-outs or incentives for business reinvestments further fueled concerns about the potential of overburdening an economy still recovering from hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic.

         Transparency Is Key

• MP Irion summed up the debate with a powerful statement, asserting that transparency and legal compliance are not mere courtesies but constitutional duties. He criticized the administration’s pattern of delayed or incomplete responses to parliamentary questions,
• emphasizing that trust in governance depends on open and honest communication.

        What’s Next for the 2025 Budget Debate?

Looking ahead, MPs are keenly awaiting detailed responses to the numerous questions posed, particularly on taxation, infrastructure development, and the use of surplus funds. The call for a robust public awareness campaign about new tax policies also remains unanswered. If Parliament’s messages resonate, the coming months could see a stronger push for reforms that strike a balance between fiscal responsibility and economic recovery.

By dissecting critical issues from taxation to spending habits, the 2025 Budget Debate has paved the way for greater scrutiny and hopefully, more accountability in governance.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Inspectorate of Taxes reminds the general public and all businesses that the deadline to submit both the 2024 Income Tax Return and the 2024 Final Profit Tax Return forms is Monday, June 30, 2025. All submissions must be made in person at the Tax Administration Office, located in the Vineyard Building.

To accommodate the expected increase in activity ahead of the deadline, the Tax Administration has announced extended opening hours.

From Monday, June 23 through Monday, June 30, 2025, the office will be open from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM. These extended hours are intended to give taxpayers additional time and flexibility to fulfill their filing obligations.

Taxpayers are strongly encouraged to file their returns well before the deadline to avoid long lines. When submitting your form, please ensure you bring a copy of the completed Income Tax or Profit Tax Return, which will be stamped as proof of submission. Married couples are reminded that they are required to file a joint return. Taxpayers who are unable to file by the deadline may submit a written request for an extension before June 30, including a valid reason.

Businesses are reminded that if a payment is due based on the Final Profit Tax Return, it must be made no later than June 30, 2025. Payments can be made via bank transfer to the following accounts: WIB: XCG account 324800-03 or USD account 324800-05; RBC: XCG account 8200000005425048 or USD account 820000040393046.

Alternatively, payments may be made in cash at the Receivers’ Office on Pond Island.

For more information or assistance, please contact the Tax Administration at 542-2143, 542-3782, 542-3839, or 542-3840, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:--- The second draft budget debate unfolded with fervent discussion in parliament today, as MPs tackled issues pivotal to the nation’s economic and social progress. Among the prominent figures contributing to the debate was MP Lyndon Lewis, whose articulate and impassioned address captured widespread attention.

Key Points from MP Lewis’s Address

Taking the floor during the session, MP Lewis emphasized the importance of transparency and fiscal responsibility in the government’s allocation of resources. He began by praising some of the budget’s proposed initiatives aimed at boosting public infrastructure and social welfare, but he also raised pointed questions about certain allocations. “It is our duty to ensure that every dollar is spent with the utmost accountability,” he stated, underscoring the need for stricter oversight mechanisms.

One of Lewis’s primary concerns was the allocation for public sector remuneration, which has been a contentious issue in recent years. Drawing attention to longstanding disputes over delayed payments and back pay for public workers, Lewis called for “fair and timely resolutions that honor the commitments made to those who serve our nation.”

Addressing National Priorities

Another key theme in Lewis’s speech was the prioritization of national development projects. While commending the inclusion of funding for education and healthcare, he urged the government to reconsider budget cuts in environmental sustainability programs. “A nation’s progress is meaningless if it is achieved at the cost of our natural heritage,” he remarked, advocating for increased investment in renewable energy and climate adaptation initiatives.

On economic growth, MP Lewis proposed additional measures to support small and medium enterprises, which he described as “the backbone of our economy.” He called for innovative financing tools and tax reliefs that would empower local businesses to thrive in a competitive global market.

A Constructive Exchange

MP Lewis’s remarks were met with mixed reactions from both sides of the aisle. Members who shared his vision nodded in agreement as he laid out his points, while others offered counterarguments defending the current allocations. The debate remained spirited yet respectful, reflecting the gravity of the budget’s implications for the nation.

Public response to MP Lewis’s speech has been largely positive. Social media platforms saw citizens echoing his calls for fairness and long-term planning. One resident tweeted, “Finally, someone in parliament speaking for the voiceless workers of this country. Kudos to MP Lyndon Lewis!”

The second draft 2025 budget debate is a critical phase in shaping the country’s fiscal policies for the upcoming year. Like MP Lewis, many in the chamber recognize this moment as an opportunity to align the budget with the people’s needs and aspirations. His contributions to the debate underscore not only his commitment to public service but also his vision for a more equitable and sustainable future.

The final vote on the budget is expected to take place in the coming days. All eyes will be on parliament to see how these discussions influence the finalized allocations and set the trajectory for the nation’s progress.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Egbert Jurendy Doran took to the floor during today’s draft 2025 budget debate with an assertive and deeply analytical address. He raised pointed concerns about what he described as a lack of vision, transparency, and accountability within the government. Doran’s critique spanned key unresolved issues across several ministries, emphasizing a need for decisive leadership and a governance framework that effectively meets the needs of the people of St. Maarten.

A Broad Critique of Governance and Planning

At the heart of MP Doran’s address was his frustration with the government’s failure to demonstrate long-term planning and strategic vision. He highlighted the reactive nature of current governance, where short-term fixes take precedence over sustainable solutions.

“I lack a plan. I lack vision,” Doran said, reflecting on his earlier concerns during the previous budget debate. “What we see is a lot of reaction to current circumstances, plastering over the cracks without any clear idea of where we are going as a country.”

He lamented the absence of critical elements such as departmental objectives and clear revenue-generation strategies in the budget presentation. Doran pointed out that while the Council of Ministers had six additional months to address these shortcomings, the updated draft failed to provide meaningful improvement.

Transparency and Accountability Under Fire

A key theme in Doran’s speech was the ongoing lack of transparency in the government’s decision-making process and its use of public funds. He criticized the frequent invocation of confidentiality as a shield against accountability, saying it undermined public trust and the work of Parliament.

“Transparency and accountability are words we hear constantly, but they ring hollow when key documents and answers to pressing questions are withheld under the pretext of confidentiality,” Doran said.

He underscored this concern by citing long-standing unanswered questions regarding crucial matters such as the handling of public funds and the resettlement process near the Little League Stadium. Doran directly addressed the lack of resolution, particularly regarding a citizen allegedly disadvantaged during the resettlement.

“Prime Minister, I have asked you this question four times in four different meetings," Doran said. “I have yet to receive a definitive answer. The people of St. Maarten deserve better than this.”

The Burden of Procurement Irregularities

MP Doran brought attention to procurement practices that he argued were neither transparent nor cost-effective. A specific example was the National Recovery Program Bureau's (NRPB) acquisition of government vehicles, including luxury models at excessively inflated prices.

“Twelve Toyota vehicles were purchased for a staggering $1.1 million USD—a price that defies logic,” Doran pointed out. He questioned the NRPB’s procurement practices and demanded an external review or audit to determine whether the purchases had delivered value for money.

“This situation begs the question—who is assessing the value for money? How are consultants allowing these prices to go unchecked?”

Spotlight on Education and Social Equity

Turning to the Ministry of Education, Doran expressed disappointment over an apparent lack of targeted initiatives to address educational gaps and support skill development. He questioned what practical steps the government was taking to elevate the nation’s workforce, emphasizing the importance of accessible training programs.

“Education is the foundation of progress,” he said. “We cannot afford to neglect efforts to close educational gaps and provide our people with the skills they need to thrive in this competitive world.”

MP Doran also pressed for clarity on housing initiatives. He questioned whether any agreements had been signed, lands allocated, or funding secured for affordable housing projects. “We need to know how ordinary citizens will benefit from government housing policies—not hypotheticals, but concrete plans.”

The Soul Beach Music Festival Controversy

A particularly heated topic during the debate was the government’s handling of the Soul Beach Music Festival. Doran criticized the government’s lack of procedural adherence in allocating public funds for the event and questioned whether it had truly delivered on its promises of economic return.

“Where is Soul Beach in this budget?” Doran asked rhetorically. “This is the legal document for executing every payment. To claim adherence to financial processes while omitting it from the budget is deeply troubling.”

A Call for Leadership and Integrity

Doran’s address to Parliament was ultimately a call for higher standards of governance. He urged the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers to take accountability seriously and warned of the consequences of inaction.

“We cannot allow mediocrity and inertia to define our governance,” he said. “The people of St. Maarten are watching, and they deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, and compassionate.”

Concluding his address, Doran reaffirmed his commitment to holding the government accountable, defending the principles of justice, and ensuring that the nation's needs are not sidelined.

Moving Forward

MP Egbert Jurendy Doran’s remarks during the debate on the draft 2025 budget shone a spotlight on critical issues that demand immediate attention. His unwavering insistence on transparency and accountability serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibilities entrusted to the government. Whether these calls will translate into meaningful change remains to be seen, but Doran’s impassioned plea has ensured that these issues will not be easily ignored.