As part of the observance of Financial Literacy Month, the Minister of Finance, Hon. Marinka Gumbs, continues to champion financial empowerment through a series of educational sessions aimed at improving financial knowledge and money management skills among citizens.
Last Tuesday, civil servants had the opportunity to participate in an informative session on “Understanding Your Payslip,” which provided valuable insights into the various components that make up monthly earnings. The Minister noted that education begins at home, and as such, it was fitting to begin the series with sessions designed to benefit those serving within government.
A subsequent session held last Thursday for members of the public was also well attended and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants eager to enhance their financial literacy. The Minister expressed her satisfaction at being able to facilitate these sessions, noting her enthusiasm for sharing her extensive knowledge on payslip components an area with which she is deeply familiar through her years of experience in the private sector.
The Minister of Finance also had the opportunity to visit St. Joseph School and Martin Luther King Jr. School, where she engaged with students on the topic of budgeting. Minister Gumbs shared that she thoroughly enjoyed teaching the children about the importance of managing money from a young age, noting that financial awareness should begin early to build a foundation for responsible decision-making later in life.
Building on this momentum, the next session in the series will focus on “Budgeting Basics” This upcoming workshop, scheduled for Wednesday November 12, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Government Administration Building, will be conducted by Ms. Shineca Carty, popularly known as “The Budget Babe.” Ms. Carty will guide participants through practical strategies for creating and maintaining a personal budget, managing expenses, and setting achievable financial goals.
Encouraging wider participation, Minister Gumbs stated:
“Financial education is the foundation of economic empowerment. These sessions are designed to equip citizens with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions. I urge
everyone who has not yet registered to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their financial future.”
Interested persons are encouraged to register early for the remaining sessions, as spaces are limited. For further information or to register for upcoming sessions, please visit www.finlitsxm.com.
https://www.sintmaartengov.org/news/Pages/Minister-of-Finance-Marinka-Gumbs-Continues-Financial-Literacy-Month-Activities.aspx
