PHILIPSBURG:--- During the Central Committee Meeting on the Second Draft Budget Debate 2025, Member of Parliament Egbert J. Doran raised pointed questions and pressing concerns regarding Sint Maarten’s governance, fiscal accountability, and development priorities. His line of questioning aimed to uncover gaps in ministerial planning and execution while advocating for greater transparency, efficiency, and equity across critical sectors.
Budget 2025 Concerns
MP Doran began with sharp inquiries directed at the Ministry of Finance, questioning whether the Minister fully stands behind Budget 2025 2.0 and what due diligence mechanisms have been implemented to prevent the errors that necessitated the budget revision. Asking for assurances, he emphasized the need for a commitment to robust financial forecasting.
MP Doran sought clarity on whether the budget remains on track at the halfway point of the fiscal year. Using the first-quarter actuals as a baseline, he asked if the nation still anticipates a surplus or deficit and demanded a candid acknowledgment of any deviations from the initial projections.
The MP also sought feedback from the Council of Advice on the budget amendments and inquired about the systemic safeguards in place to ensure accountability in amendment handling. Specifically, he called for clarity on the role of SOAB and a timeline for their work in establishing more efficient budgetary processes.
A controversial focus was placed on income disparity, with Doran pressing the Minister of Finance for views on potential salary cuts for Ministers and Members of Parliament by 10%, 25%, or even 50%. He requested impact analyses to assess the savings that such measures could generate.
Program Delays and Q1 Underperformance
Turning his attention to the delayed ratification of the budget, Doran demanded answers on how backlogs in funding have impacted ministerial programs and national projects. He argued for transparency in addressing execution bottlenecks caused by these delays. He challenged the Ministry to explain how recalculation errors with Article 2 adjustments occurred and whether such oversights had precedent in previous administrations.
Additionally, he sought details on overperforming and underperforming sectors in Q1 and their implications for future performance.
Economic Oversight of Public Funding
MP Doran probed the Ministry of Finance on its management of public funds, seeking clarity on how the Carnival 2025 subsidy was financed amid delays in the 2025 budget’s ratification. He questioned the legality of these disbursements and whether such decisions would set a precedent for other outstanding obligations, such as back pay for justice workers.
Furthermore, Doran scrutinized the economic impact of high-profile events, such as the Soul Beach Festival, questioning whether they met their expected $3 million in activity generation and whether government coffers benefited directly. He also asked how funding and metrics for the event were justified, particularly amid allegations of inequitable profit-sharing burdens placed on local businesses.
Hurricane and Emergency Preparedness
On national readiness, Doran quizzed the Ministry of General Affairs on measures taken since May’s hurricane preparedness meeting led by the Prime Minister. He asked whether shelters had been inspected and certified, whether staff were trained in operations, and whether emergency supplies were stocked.
Recognizing the struggles of vulnerable families, Doran emphasized the importance of supporting low-income households in preparing emergency kits or fortifying their homes. He also questioned whether the shelter pre-registration program, initiated during his tenure as Minister of VROMI, had been maintained or expanded.
The MP inquired about the operational readiness of recently acquired fire trucks, ambulances, and emergency vehicles, challenging the Ministry to maintain full transparency on procurement, including bidders, costs, and equipment capacity.
Justice Ministry Under Scrutiny
Addressing critical issues in the justice sector, Doran questioned the sufficiency of Budget 2025 in addressing emergency situations and daily challenges within the correctional system. He spotlighted longstanding concerns about chronic understaffing, unsafe prison conditions, and the lack of funding for immediate repairs, safety upgrades, and welfare initiatives for both inmates and staff.
Highlighting the dire conditions at Pointe Blanche Prison following a fire, Doran pushed for short-term solutions to improve infrastructure while construction of a new correctional facility remains stalled. He demanded disclosures on the financial and logistical handling of inmate relocations to temporary facilities and questioned whether provisions exist for similar emergencies in the future.
The MP also raised the issue of inadequate insurance coverage for prison guards, police officers, and justice system employees. He called on the Ministry to urgently secure comprehensive life and injury insurance for frontline workers.
Environmental Policy and Infrastructure Development
MP Doran pressed the Ministry of VROMI for updates on infrastructure and housing initiatives, highlighting the urgent need to address the broader housing crisis. He questioned the Ministry’s timeline for implementing zoning reforms to resolve land-use conflicts and demanded greater transparency in public land allocation and subsidy distribution.
Citing insufficient progress on road maintenance, sewage system improvements, and flood resilience measures, Doran emphasized the need for accelerated infrastructure investment. He also called for the proper and efficient use of trust fund resources, combined with rigorous accountability.
Vendor Concerns and Economic Recovery
With a direct focus on economic fairness, MP Doran raised concerns regarding vendors displaced by the Philipsburg Marketplace project. He sought clarification on actionable timelines for soil testing, tendering, and final project completion. He urged the Ministry of TEATT to prioritize financial relief for affected vendors while holding parties accountable for project delays.
Education Policies and Youth Opportunities
On education, Doran argued for increased funding for the Business Outreach and Placement (BOP) program to expand internship opportunities for youth. He also demanded updates on policies supporting school entry for late-born children, advocating for equitable access to education.
Commitment to Transparency and Action
Through his detailed line of questioning, MP Egbert Doran reiterated his commitment to holding ministries accountable and ensuring transparency in government operations. He concluded by calling for immediate action to address budgetary inefficiencies and systemic gaps, stressing the importance of equitable and sustainable progress for the people of Sint Maarten.
“The people of Sint Maarten deserve clarity, fairness, and accountability,” Doran stated. “We cannot continue repeating our mistakes. It is our responsibility to ensure that promises are met with actions.”