PHILIPSBURG:--- The Social Economic Council (SER) completed 10 comprehensive advisory reports in 2025 while working through a backlog of requests for legislative advice dating back to 2023, according to its announcement accompanying the publication of its 2025 Annual Report.
The Council’s work covered several matters with direct implications for residents and businesses, including public transportation bus fares, funding for early childhood development, the proposed Visitor’s Tax and the Sustainable Affordable Accessible Health Care Act (SAAHA).
The Board supported the renewed advisory activity with 23 meetings during the year. These included approximately six extraordinary meetings at which experts provided additional information on SAAHA and the proposed Visitor’s Tax.
The publication also identifies six pending advisory matters, including establishing a new poverty line for Sint Maarten and proposed amendments to corporate income tax and the Code of Civil Procedure.
While completing 10 reports shows progress, the announcement does not specify how much of the earlier backlog remained outstanding at the end of 2025.
SER Chairman Harlec G.F. Doran reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Government and Parliament through independent research and shared responsibility.
The Annual Report covers the institution’s advisory work, financial management, institutional developments, and engagement with local and international partners.
