PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion has taken decisive action to future-proof Sint Maarten’s financial system by submitting powerful amendments to the Basic Banking Account law (Landsverordening basisbetaalrekening).
Reflecting on his time as Minister of Finance when he initiated and presented the original legislation to Parliament in a Central Committee meeting in November 2023, Irion said the goal was always financial inclusion, but the world has changed rapidly. “Today, digital access is survival. It’s not an extra,” Irion stated.
His amendments ensure that every citizen will be able to manage their basic bank account digitally, avoiding the long lines that have plagued customers for years. Core services like opening an account, replacing a card, or getting a simple balance letter must also now be accessible digitally by law.
Importantly, Irion’s amendment also pushes banks to create local digital payment systems that work for Sint Maarteners providing new hope for entrepreneurs and small businesses shut out of international platforms like PayPal.
"This is about dignity, fairness, and opportunity for every citizen. This is just the beginning," said Irion.
