PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs announced at the Council of Ministers press briefing on Wednesday that the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) requested a subsidy for Carnival 2025.
The Council of Ministers (COM) approved the subsidy, which was granted in line with the subsidy provided to SCDF in April 2024 via the marketing budget. As such, the SCDF subsidy is currently booked under the marketing post, which is in line with how it was provided to SCDF last year.
The subsidy was paid based on the marketing budget available in 2024, which approximates NAf 4 million annually.
However, to ensure proper budget allocation, the Council of Ministers (COM) has resolved to rectify this matter in the 2025 budget by reclassifying the subsidy amount paid out under the marketing post to the appropriate subsidy line item through a budget amendment.
This adjustment will ensure the allocation is aligned with budgetary principles and adequately reflected in the 2025 amended budget.
Carnival remains a key cultural event that has been a part of St. Maarten’s heritage for over 50 years, drawing both local and international participation and visitors. This annual celebration played a significant role in cultural expression, economic stimulation, and tourism promotion, making its successful execution a priority for the Government.
