~Parliament says approving a budget is no longer enough—government must now prove it can deliver.~ 

PHILIPSBURG:---  If there was one message that emerged from Friday's Central Committee budget debate, it was that Members of Parliament are no longer satisfied with approving millions in public spending without measurable results.

Using Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs' new policy-based budgeting framework as the foundation, MPs repeatedly argued that the government should now be judged by performance indicators, completed projects, and quarterly progress reports instead of promises.

Leading that charge was MP Francisco Lacroes, who called on the government to table key performance indicators (KPIs) for every ministry and commit to submitting quarterly reports to Parliament.

He questioned what consequences ministers would face if they failed to achieve the targets attached to their approved budgets.

"If ministries fail to meet their approved targets in 2026, what consequences or corrective measures will follow?" Lacroes asked.

Demand for measurable government

Lacroes also requested detailed information on every ministry's revenue stream, asking the government to identify:

• how much revenue each ministry generated;
• how much remains outstanding;
• how much income was lost because permits or licenses were delayed;
• which consultancy contracts were awarded;
• and how much additional revenue improved tax compliance is expected to generate.

He argued that staffing shortages are costing the government money because delayed licenses, permits, and approvals postpone revenue that should already be entering the Treasury.

Lewis demands accountability

MP Lyndon Lewis followed with one of the longest rounds of questioning during the debate.

Rather than concentrating on political criticism, Lewis repeatedly asked ministers to provide measurable benchmarks for virtually every policy objective contained in the 2026 budget.

Among his requests were:

• targets for reducing violent crime;
• police recruitment numbers;
• waiting times for specialist healthcare;
• labor inspection targets;
• scholarship beneficiaries;
• teacher vacancies;
• school maintenance schedules;
• affordable housing construction;
• road rehabilitation timelines;
• landfill milestones;
• drainage improvements;
• tourism growth targets;
• and measurable returns on public investment.

Lewis also questioned whether the government has introduced sufficient financial oversight to ensure ministries actually execute the projects Parliament approves each year.

Justice, roads, and housing

The Justice Ministry received particularly close scrutiny.

Questions focused on the construction timetable for the new prison, rehabilitation programs for inmates, police staffing levels, witness protection, youth crime prevention, immigration reforms, and the status of electronic monitoring.

The Ministry of VROMI faced equally detailed questioning regarding unfinished road projects, Dutch Quarter Road, Welgelegen Road, drainage improvements, landfill rehabilitation, waste export, affordable housing, consultant dependence and delays in capital project execution.

Revenue versus spending

Throughout the debate, MPs repeatedly returned to one central concern.

The government has presented a larger budget with higher projected revenues and expenditures, but Parliament wants evidence that ministries can actually execute the projects they propose.

MP Lacroes questioned whether the government would finally require audited financial statements from government-owned companies and introduce sanctions when boards fail to comply.

He also sought quarterly financial reporting on state-owned enterprises, including GEBE, cash flow statements, debt positions, and government guarantees.

Parliament raising the bar

Friday's debate demonstrated a noticeable shift in Parliament's approach.

Rather than arguing solely over individual line items, Members demanded implementation schedules, measurable deliverables, and regular reporting.

With Finance Minister Gumbs introducing policy-based budgeting—designed to link spending to results—MPs made it clear they intend to use the same framework to measure the performance of every minister over the next 12 months.

As ministers prepare their responses next week, they will not only have to defend their budgets but also explain exactly how and when they intend to deliver the promises attached to every guilder Parliament is being asked to approve.

~MPs challenge the government on revenue generation, GEBE, healthcare, policing, housing, tourism, and billions in public spending.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- What began as Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs' presentation of a Cg. 647 million national budget quickly turned into a marathon of scrutiny as Members of Parliament fired hundreds of questions at the Council of Ministers, demanding concrete timelines, measurable results, and accountability for virtually every ministry.

Rather than focusing solely on expenditure, opposition MPs repeatedly challenged the government to explain how it intends to generate additional revenue, deliver long-delayed projects, and ensure taxpayers receive value for money from the largest budget in the country's history.

One of the dominant themes throughout Friday's Central Committee meeting was that St. Maarten cannot continue increasing government spending without simultaneously increasing government income.

MP Francisco Lacroes made that point clear when he argued that every budget debate focuses on expenditure, while revenue generation remains largely absent.

"No budget debate is complete without a credible plan to earn, collect, enforce, and protect St. Maarten's revenue," he stated before announcing that many of his questions would focus specifically on the government's revenue strategy.

Revenue generation under the microscope

MP Omar Ottley questioned why the government has not reintroduced temporary fuel tax relief similar to measures implemented in 2021 and 2022 when gasoline prices surged.

He reminded Parliament that previous governments successfully provided relief at the pumps and asked Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs why similar measures cannot be implemented now, despite the government's stronger-than-expected first-quarter financial results.

MP Lacroes also questioned why Parliament has still not held the long-requested meeting dedicated exclusively to revenue-generating measures.

He noted that Parliament requested the meeting in December 2025 but said it was repeatedly postponed without explanation, despite the government continuously complaining about insufficient financial resources.

Among his proposals were introducing annual licensing fees for foreign company directors, maintaining property taxation for foreign investors while exempting locals, and examining additional revenue streams similar to neighboring islands.

MP Lyndon Lewis also pressed the government on its projected increase in tax revenues, asking what assumptions underpin the projected Cg. 647 million revenue target and how much additional revenue the government expects to generate through stronger tax compliance rather than higher taxation.

He demanded updated figures on outstanding tax arrears, the value of collectible taxes, and the government's strategy for modernizing tax administration and digitizing financial services.

GEBE dominates questioning

The troubled utility company again emerged as one of Parliament's biggest concerns.

MP Ottley demanded an update on the approximately Cg. 74 million to Cg. 76 million loan approved to purchase new generators, asking why no generators have yet been delivered despite taxpayers already assuming responsibility for repayment.

He questioned whether inflation has made the generators unaffordable and asked the government to explain exactly where the procurement process currently stands.

MP Lacroes expanded the questioning significantly.

He asked who is politically responsible for GEBE, whether the Prime Minister or another minister serves as shareholder representative, what legal authority the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post (BTP) actually possesses over electricity tariffs, and requested clarification on the resignation of a GEBE Supervisory Board member.

He further requested the curriculum vitae of every current board member, questioned whether their vision aligns with the government's policy objectives, and sought a detailed chronological timeline explaining why Parliament-approved financing for new generators has yet to result in their purchase.

Healthcare and SAHA

Healthcare financing generated another lengthy exchange.

MP Ottley warned that General Health Insurance, now referred to as SAHA, can no longer remain on the drawing board while healthcare deficits continue increasing.

He asked whether government still intends introducing the legislation this year, questioned the planned Cg.800,000 allocation for SAHA, and warned that continued delays could deepen the financial problems facing SZV.

He also called for the government to finally implement health insurance coverage for sole proprietors, bus operators, and taxi drivers—legislation he said has been awaiting action since receiving advice from the Council of Advice in 2024.

Questions for every ministry

Members also challenged ministers across the entire Council of Ministers.

Among the issues raised were:

• Fire Department staffing shortages, outstanding overtime, salary corrections, and retroactive payments.
• Police manpower, Coast Guard salary allocations, and delayed justice reforms.
• Affordable housing, cemetery space, drainage works, and road rehabilitation.
• Tourism marketing effectiveness and diversification beyond cruise tourism.
• Delays in business licenses and building permits.
• Teacher shortages, school maintenance, youth programs, and sports funding.
• Mental healthcare, ambulance capacity, and specialist waiting lists.
• Public sector vacancies, reliance on consultants, and digital government initiatives.

The budget debate now moves into the response phase, where ministers will be expected not only to defend their spending requests but also to answer one of Parliament's recurring questions: how the government intends to pay for its expanding responsibilities while delivering measurable improvements to the people of St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Employment Services Center (NESC), a Department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), has
intensified preparations for the Third National Job Fair, scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In advance of the event,
participating businesses and job seekers will also be invited to an exclusive Business Networking Event on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the National Institute for
Professional Advancement (NIPA).
As part of the lead-up to the event, NESC Business Services Officers will conduct targeted outreach and visits to businesses across sectors to promote participation in the National Job Fair and assist employers in completing all aspects of the registration process. Through direct engagement, the NESC aims to ensure that businesses are fully supported and able to maximize the opportunities presented by the event.

As Sint Maarten continues to experience positive economic growth and expanding opportunities across key industries, investing in the local labor force remains essential to sustaining that momentum. While the country’s economic outlook remains encouraging, youth unemployment remains a significant challenge, with many young adults struggling to enter the labor market and gain valuable work experience.
Against this backdrop, the third National Job Fair serves as more than a recruitment event.
It represents a national investment in people, partnerships, and prosperity. By bringing together employers, job seekers, educational institutions, and key stakeholders, the initiative seeks to strengthen workforce participation, enhance employability, and ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared more broadly throughout the community.
The NESC is honored to have the support of the Honorable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten/ Deputy Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Dr. Luc Mercelina, who recently signed the participation agreement for the upcoming event in the presence of the Business Services team. His endorsement underscores the national importance of this initiative and reflects the government’s continued commitment to strengthening employment opportunities and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Acting Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) and Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina stated, "A strong economy must create opportunities for everyone. As our country continues to grow, we must ensure that our people—especially our young people—are equipped to participate, contribute, and succeed. The Third National Job Fair reflects the Government's commitment to connecting talent with opportunity, strengthening partnerships with the private sector, and building a workforce that is resilient, competitive, and prepared for the future. Every job created strengthens a family, every opportunity transforms a life, and every partnership we build today contributes to a stronger Sint Maarten tomorrow. I encourage every employer to invest in local talent and every job seeker to embrace this opportunity with confidence, determination, and hope."
Building on the success of previous editions, the upcoming National Job Fair will once again provide a platform for employers to connect with local talent while fostering stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. In addition to recruitment opportunities and business networking, the 2026 edition will showcase a significant step forward in the modernization of employment services.

The NESC will officially unveil the first-ever National Job Portal, an innovative digital platform designed to enhance connections between employers and job seekers. The portal will provide businesses with a modern tool to advertise vacancies and access local talent, while offering job seekers greater access to employment opportunities and career resources. The introduction of the platform reflects the NESC’s continued commitment to innovation and to building a labor market that is responsive to the evolving needs of a growing economy.

The National Job Fair also builds upon the strong foundation established through the successful editions held in 2023 and 2024. The NESC recognizes the outstanding efforts and dedication of its Business Services Officers, Mr. Maquidu Frevry and Mr. Lynroy Rey, whose continued engagement with the business community and commitment to fostering public-private partnerships have been instrumental in the growth and success of the National Job Fair. Their efforts have helped establish the event as one of Sint Maarten’s premier workforce development initiatives and have strengthened the relationship between
employers and the National Employment Services Center.
In keeping with the NESC’s vision for modern and accessible employment services, the development and implementation of the National Job Portal have been supported by the work and technical contributions of Mr. Edy Esnat, whose efforts have helped bring this important initiative to fruition as part of the NESC’s broader modernization agenda.
According to the NESC, these initiatives underscore the importance of investing not only in the nation’s workforce but also in the dedicated public servants who work tirelessly behind the scenes to connect talent with opportunity and support the sustainable growth of Sint Maarten’s economy.

The NESC encourages businesses, organizations, and industry leaders to view their participation not only as an opportunity to recruit qualified candidates but also as a
strategic investment in the future of Sint Maarten. By creating employment opportunities, internships, apprenticeships, and career pathways for local talent, businesses play a vital role in reducing unemployment, empowering youth, and ensuring that the country’s economic growth translates into shared prosperity for all.
Employers interested in participating are encouraged to register early and take advantage of the support being provided by the NESC Business Services Officers. Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to developing local talent, Sint Maarten can continue building a more inclusive, competitive, and future-ready workforce.
For more information regarding participation in the Third National Job Fair 2026, businesses are encouraged to contact the National Employment Services Center (NESC) at +17215236390 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..