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..

PHILIPSBURG:--- On July 1^st, 2026, in commemoration of the 163^rd Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery, the Government of Sint Maarten will present the official Emancipation Day ceremony at the Belvedere Plantation on the Oyster Pond Road. The official ceremony will begin at 8:00 am and end at 10:00 am. The program will feature official addresses, poetry, cultural song and dance performances, information tours, and a historical presentation on the Belvedere Plantation.

All residents and guests of the island are invited to the official ceremony, but please be aware that, due to limited parking at the venue, a special “Shuttle Bus” service will be available at the Belvedere Residential Housing roundabout to transport attendees back and forth from the ceremony.

Every year, the Department of Culture organizes the Emancipation Day ceremony at different venues throughout the island as a means to raise awareness and to bring the community together as one people to reflect on the atrocities and inhumane conditions that our ancestors experienced. This year, 2026, the commemoration of Emancipation Day has been made possible in part by the Slavery Memorial Committee and the St. Maarten Development Fund, who have collaborated with the Department of Culture within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport.

The Belvedere Plantation, which is on the official Monument List, is one of our most important cultural & historical sites and provides an appropriate setting for this annual event. The Belvedere Plantation main house is estimated to have been built around 1840, and research at the site indicates that two sugar factories existed on the plantation, one of which was in close proximity to the main house.

In early December 2025, Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs Jr. and Minister of ECYS Melissa D. Gumbs jointly announced the finalization of the purchase of “Belvedere Remainder,” which has a total land area of 288,402 m2 (71.3 acres or 28.8 hectares). The property has been divided into 2 parcels: Belvedere Remainder North and Belvedere Remainder South. The second parcel, “Belvedere Remainder South”, encompassing 158,183 m2, has been allocated to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport.

Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport, the Honorable Melissa Gumbs, said, “The intention is to ensure that restoration projects are prioritized and that development of Belvedere South is strictly aimed at the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage.

Annually, Emancipation Day is commemorated on July 1^st, which was the first public holiday established by the Parliament of Sint Maarten since becoming a Country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands on October 10^th, 2010. This year’s theme, entitled “Buss di chain & free your…” encourages all persons in our community to take time to reflect on the impact of Slavery Past and how this experience has affected their past, present and future lives.

~Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs says reforms introduced in 2026 are already being used to prepare next year's budget months ahead of schedule.~

PHILIPSBURG:---  While Parliament has only just begun debating the 2026 National Budget, Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs has already turned the government's attention to 2027, telling Members of Parliament that work on next year's budget is well underway in an effort to finally end years of chronic delays.

The announcement formed one of the key reform initiatives presented during Friday's budget debate. According to Gumbs, the Ministry of Finance has fundamentally changed the budget preparation process by introducing earlier planning, tighter accountability, and stronger coordination among ministries.

"The 2027 budget process began months earlier than in previous years," Gumbs told Parliament. "Ministries have been engaged well in advance, and the necessary structures are now in place to support the timely preparation and submission of future budgets."

The Minister acknowledged that the 2026 budget arrived later than required, describing the delay as part of a longstanding pattern that has affected successive governments. However, she said the structural reforms introduced this year are intended to ensure that late budgets become a thing of the past.

"I want to be clear. While this is not a new phenomenon, I intend that it will be the last time a national budget is presented this late under my leadership," Gumbs declared.

2027 Already Taking Shape

The government's budget presentation provided Parliament with its first look at the financial outlook for 2027.

The Ministry of Finance projects total revenue of Cg 670 million, an increase of Cg 23 million over the 2026 estimate of Cg 647 million.

At the same time, total expenditure is projected at Cg 662 million, or Cg 26 million more than the 2026 operating budget.

Despite the higher spending, the government still expects to post an operating surplus of Cg 8 million in 2027. Although lower than the projected Cg 11 million surplus for 2026, the figures suggest the government expects to maintain balanced budgets over the medium term.

No New Taxes—Yet

One of the more significant revelations in the presentation is that the 2027 projections do not include any new revenue-raising measures.

The presentation specifically states that the proposed tourist levy, estimated to generate approximately Cg 18 million annually, has not been included in the revenue forecast because the legislation has not yet completed the parliamentary approval process.

Instead, the Ministry of Finance expects revenue growth to come mainly from higher collections of wage tax and turnover tax (TOT), while maintaining the tax-to-GDP ratio at approximately 14.2 percent through 2029.

The government also anticipates that contributions under the TWO Country Package will begin declining during 2027 as the programme is expected to wind down after the first quarter, unless it is extended.

Four Years of Budget Surpluses

The financial outlook presented to Parliament projects positive operating balances throughout the entire budget period.

Government forecasts:

• 2026: Cg 11 million surplus.
• 2027: Cg 8 million surplus.
• 2028: Cg 15 million surplus.
• 2029: Cg 17 million surplus.

Revenue is projected to fluctuate between Cg 639 million and Cg 670 million, while annual expenditure is expected to remain between Cg 624 million and Cg 662 million over the four years.

Changing the Budget Culture

The Minister said the earlier start to the 2027 budget process forms part of a wider effort to transform the culture of public financial management.

The reforms include stronger internal financial controls, improved coordination among ministries, clearer accountability measures, and the continued implementation of policy-based budgeting, which links every allocation to measurable policy objectives rather than simply listing operational expenses.

The objective, according to Gumbs, is to create a disciplined budget cycle in which ministries begin planning months in advance, allowing Parliament sufficient time to scrutinize government spending before the start of each fiscal year.

Whether those reforms succeed will become evident in the coming months. If the Ministry of Finance submits the 2027 National Budget on time, it would mark one of the most significant improvements in St. Maarten's public financial management in many years and signal that the government is finally breaking with the cycle of delayed budgets that has repeatedly drawn criticism from Parliament, the Council of Advice, and the Committee for Financial Supervision (CFT).

~Budget presentation exposes fragile liquidity, billion-guilder debt, healthcare deficits, and state-owned companies that could force the government back into crisis mode.~

PHILIPSBURG:---  While Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs presented a 2026 budget with a projected Cg 11 million operational surplus, the deeper figures in government’s own presentation show that St. Maarten’s public finances remain exposed to serious risks that could wipe out that surplus quickly.

The budget projects Cg 647 million in revenue and Cg 636 million in operating expenditure. On paper, that gives the government a positive balance. But the fiscal risk section paints a far more fragile picture: healthcare funds are bleeding money, several state-owned companies remain weak, liquidity is thin, debt remains above one billion guilders, and one major hurricane could severely damage the government’s financial position.

Government’s opening debt for January 2026 is listed at Cg 1.021 billion. A new Cg 42 million capital loan is planned for 2026, while repayments are projected at Cg 17 million. By December 2026, closing debt is projected at Cg 1.047 billion.

The debt-to-GDP ratio is projected at approximately 41 percent based on CBCS figures, down from 43 percent in 2025. The government says the debt remains manageable, especially with economic growth forecast between 2.4 and 2.7 percent. But the presentation also warns that St. Maarten’s small, open, tourism-dependent economy remains vulnerable to hurricanes, oil shocks, inflation, global instability, and downturns in visitor arrivals.

The liquidity position is even tighter. Government projects an opening cash balance of Cg 13 million and an estimated year-end balance of only Cg 5 million. Total receipts are projected at Cg 571 million, while total payments are projected at Cg 578 million.

That means the government is projecting a surplus in its operating budget while ending the year with dangerously limited free liquidity.

Capital investments for 2026 are listed at approximately Cg 163 million. The largest portion, Cg 79 million, is listed under other equipment, including IT and operational needs. ICT equipment accounts for Cg 36 million, land improvements Cg 25 million, non-residential buildings Cg 10 million, transport vehicles Cg 4 million, and other capital items Cg 9 million.

Gumbs told Parliament that the government is borrowing strictly to build, not to cover operational waste. She said the new Cg 42 million investment loan will be tied to strict multi-year project timelines to avoid the past practice of borrowing funds that sit unused while interest continues to accumulate.

But the most explosive risk remains healthcare.

The Minister told Parliament that healthcare funds managed through SZV are losing approximately Cg 35 million annually and that the accumulated deficit has reached approximately Cg 500 million. The risk presentation goes even further, warning that annual healthcare deficits are closer to Cg 50 million and that reserves are projected to fall from Cg 299 million in 2024 to approximately Cg 178 million by 2029.

For more than a decade, according to the Minister, the government has covered healthcare losses by relying on reserves connected to the national pension fund. Gumbs warned that this can no longer continue and that failure to act could threaten both healthcare access and the wider social safety net for seniors.

The government’s proposed solution includes General Health Insurance, a tourist levy, and tax reform aimed at widening the tax base and improving compliance. The planned tourist levy is expected to generate approximately Cg 18 million, but that amount is not included in the 2027 projections because the legislation has not yet been completed.

State-owned companies are another danger zone.

The presentation identifies GEBE as a major concern. The utility company has not had audited financial statements since 2021. The 2022 cyberattack and 2024 engine failures severely damaged operations, and the government has backed a Cg 75.6 million loan connected to GEBE.

For a monopoly utility that provides electricity and water to the entire country, that is not a small administrative weakness. It is a direct national risk.

TelEm is under restructuring after recording a Cg 38.4 million loss in 2023, although the government says much of that was one-off and that the underlying loss was closer to Cg 6 million. A Cg 4 million loss is expected for 2024, showing some improvement but not yet a full turnaround.

PSS remains financially fragile and unsustainable without government operating subsidies. Improvement measures are underway, but the presentation admits results will take time.

At the same time, not all state-owned companies are weak. Port St. Maarten recorded a 2024 profit of US $11.2 million, up from US $8 million in 2023. By the second quarter of 2025, the port reported US $9.5 million in net result and US $74.4 million in cash, although major Pier 1 capital investment is still needed.

Winair posted a 2024 profit of US $3.7 million and recorded US $4.3 million in net profit for the first three quarters of 2025, while its COVID loan has been fully repaid. PJIAE also showed strong results, with a 2024 profit of Cg 21.1 million, up Cg 9.5 million from 2023. Its EBITDA margin for Q2 2025 stood at 47.8 percent, with approximately 1.5 million passengers projected for 2025.

The message is clear: some government companies can perform when properly managed, while others remain a burden on the public purse.

Gumbs said the government will now move toward an active participation policy, requiring quarterly financial reporting, standardized dividend policies, stronger corporate governance, and binding restructuring agreements. She said taxpayers’ money will not be used to reward bad management or corporate opacity.

The budget also identifies other risks. A major hurricane could severely damage revenue and push debt above sustainable levels. The aging population is placing more pressure on pensions and healthcare, with the 65-plus age group increasing from 5 percent in 2011 to 13 percent in 2022. Global economic volatility remains a threat because St. Maarten depends heavily on tourism, airline access, and imported fuel.

Government is therefore not only asking Parliament to approve a budget. It is asking Parliament to trust that reforms will happen fast enough to prevent the next financial crisis.

The figures show a government with a surplus on paper, but very little room for error. If healthcare reform stalls, if GEBE remains unaudited, if PSS continues needing subsidies, if TelEm fails to recover, or if a major hurricane strikes, the Cg 11 million surplus could disappear overnight.

The budget debate must therefore go beyond speeches. Parliament now has the figures in front of it. The question is whether Members of Parliament will demand hard timelines, audited accounts, enforcement mechanisms, and measurable results — or whether St. Maarten will once again wait until the numbers become a crisis.