GREAT BAY--Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Melissa Gumbs has announced that the Ministry has finalized a structural subsidy agreement with the St. Maarten Sports Federation for 2026, marking another step in efforts to strengthen, professionalize and improve accountability within the local sports sector.
Under the agreement, the Ministry will provide support toward national uniforms, the institutional development of the Federation and eligible operational expenses.
The St. Maarten Sports Federation, SMSF, has committed to providing regular financial reports and assisting the Department of Sports with collecting information from its member federations and associations. The information will support the development of informed sports policies.
The agreement comes as the Department of Sports advances policies in areas including anti-doping and athlete safeguarding.
SMSF serves as the national umbrella organization representing more than 20 local National Sports Federations and Associations. Following an extended period without an active governing board, the Federation was re-established in 2024 and has since worked to rebuild its structure and restore its role as a credible and representative voice for sport in St. Maarten.
“It gives me great pride to see the St. Maarten Sports Federation once again actively fulfilling the role for which it was established,” Gumbs said.
“Our National Federations and Associations need a strong umbrella organisation that can represent their collective interests, help coordinate the development of sport and provide a consistent point of engagement with Government. I am encouraged by the progress made and excited about what this partnership can accomplish.”
Through the agreement, SMSF will continue to serve alongside the National Sports Institute, NSI, as one of the Ministry’s key executing partners in the sports sector.
This arrangement allows the Ministry to focus on policy, standards and oversight, while SMSF and NSI support implementation and respond to the practical needs of federations and athletes.
Gumbs said strengthening SMSF forms part of a broader effort to establish a more consistent, fair and transparent framework for allocating funding within the sports sector, while reducing reliance on individual or ad hoc requests.
“Our objective is to ensure that decisions about funding and support are guided by clear priorities, the demonstrated needs of the sector and the responsible use of public funds,” Gumbs said.
“This creates greater stability for our federations and greater confidence in how Government support is administered.”
While the Ministry remains committed to supporting the sector through structural subsidies, Gumbs also encouraged the local business community to become more actively involved in sports development.
“Government has an important role to play, but the growth of sport cannot depend on public funding alone,” she said.
“When a business supports an athlete, a team, or a federation, it is investing in the discipline, confidence, and potential of our young people. Sport gives them purpose, strengthens character, and creates opportunities to represent St. Maarten with pride.”
Gumbs said the achievements and representation of local athletes should be a source of national pride and encouraged private-sector companies to partner with SMSF.
“Every time one of our athletes steps onto a field, court or track carrying our flag, it should be a source of pride for all of us. I therefore encourage the private sector to partner with SMSF and help create the opportunities our athletes need to develop, compete, and succeed,” she said.
“Supporting sport is not simply sponsorship; it is an investment in our youth and in the future of our country.”
The Ministry said it looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with SMSF throughout 2026 and beyond as the Federation carries out its strategic priorities in support of St. Maarten’s National Sports Federations, athletes and coaches.
Through stronger institutions, accountable partnerships and broader community investment, the Ministry said it remains committed to creating an environment in which St. Maarten’s athletes can develop, compete and represent their country with pride.
