PHILIPSBURG:---The Minister of Finance has noted the press briefing delivered by the Minister of VROMI on October 21, 2026, which informed the public that the proposed road and infrastructure program for 2027 is approaching a historic investment of Cg 9 million.
The Minister of Finance applauds this achievement, which is the result of a collective effort by the Ministry of VROMI and the Ministry of Finance. This significant investment is welcome news for the people, businesses, and tourism sector of Sint Maarten, as improvements to the road network and infrastructure are essential to the country’s continued development and economic growth.
However, certain remarks made during the press briefing may have caused misunderstandings, particularly the suggestion that the Ministry of Finance requested a further delay in fully implementing the Road Fund because of pressing financial issues. The Minister of Finance wishes to clarify the circumstances surrounding the fund’s implementation and the steps being taken to advance this process.
Background and Legal Framework of the Road Fund
The National Ordinance Road Fund established the Road Fund, which entered into force on October 10, 2010. The ordinance stipulates, among other things, that the fund is financed through revenue generated from motor vehicle taxes.
The Minister of VROMI administers the Road Fund. Under the Minister’s supervision, the Minister entrusts the Head of the Department of New Works with day-to-day management, in accordance with instructions established by the Minister.
In September 2024, the General Audit Chamber presented its review, “Allocation of Motor Vehicle Tax 2022–2024,” which included recommendations on the Road Fund and the allocation of motor vehicle tax revenues.
In December 2025, the Minister of VROMI announced the decision to establish the Road Fund as a foundation, with operations intended to commence on January 1, 2027. Under this proposed structure, the foundation would receive funding through a subsidy. For this arrangement to become operational, the necessary legislative and regulatory framework must first be established and implemented.
Because this framework had not yet been established when preparing the 2027 budget, the proposed new structure could not be fully incorporated into the budget in its intended form.
This circumstance should not, however, be interpreted as a lack of commitment to the Road Fund or to improving Sint Maarten’s road infrastructure.
Funding Secured for the 2027 Road and Infrastructure Program
Despite outstanding legislative and regulatory requirements, the Ministry of Finance worked closely with the Ministry of VROMI during budget preparation to ensure sufficient funding for the 2027 road and infrastructure program.
As a result of this collaboration, the 2027 capital budget includes Cg 9 million for road and infrastructure investments, a historically high allocation.
As part of the phased implementation of the Road Fund in 2027, the Ministry of VROMI will begin with an initial allocation of Cg 5 million from collected road taxes. This amount will be allocated as follows:
- Cg 1.5 million will be incorporated directly into operational expenditures to support the operationalization of the Road Fund.
- Cg 3.5 million will finance capital expenditure improvements to the road network through the Road Fund.
Of the Cg 9 million included in the capital budget for road and infrastructure investments, the Road Fund will finance Cg 3.5 million, while the remaining Cg 5.5 million will be financed through a loan to be secured.
Furthermore, beginning in 2028, revenue from motor vehicle taxes will be directed to the Road Fund, supporting its continued development and the sustainable financing of road infrastructure improvements.
Continued Commitment to Full Implementation
The Minister of Finance welcomes these developments and emphasizes that cooperation between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of VROMI remains essential to ensuring the effective and sustainable financing of Sint Maarten’s road infrastructure.
The phased approach for 2027 allows the necessary steps to operationalize the Road Fund to proceed while ensuring critical road and infrastructure investments can move forward.
The Minister of Finance reiterates her commitment to supporting the Ministry of VROMI, within the applicable legal and budgetary framework, in advancing the necessary measures toward the timely and full implementation of the Road Fund.
“Our shared priority is to ensure that the people of Sint Maarten benefit from improved roads and infrastructure. The historic Cg 9 million allocation for 2027 demonstrates what our ministries can achieve through cooperation. We remain committed to working together to establish the necessary framework and ensure the sustainable financing of our road network for the benefit of our people, businesses, and tourism sector.”
— Minister of Finance, Sint Maarten