SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Honorable Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs, Dr. Luc Mercelina, presented the Ministry of General Affairs’ priorities under the draft 2026 National Budget during today’s parliamentary deliberations. He outlined a realistic programme focused on restoring institutional stability, strengthening the civil service, improving Government’s execution capacity and reinforcing disaster preparedness.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the delayed handling of the 2026 budget reflects wider institutional challenges that must be confronted honestly and decisively.
“This is not a message of pessimism. It is a call to realism and a call to action,” Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina stated.
“After 16 years as a country, it is time to establish and firmly anchor the foundation of Government. We must get the foundation in order, and that is precisely what this administration is focused on.”
The Ministry of General Affairs’ budget, excluding financing provided through the Temporary Work Organisation (TWO), increases from approximately Cg 79.5 million in 2025 to Cg 82.3 million in 2026—an increase of 3.4 percent. However, much of this increase is absorbed by mandatory expenditures, including salary indexation, rising operational costs and outstanding obligations accumulated over previous years.
Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina explained that the Ministry continues to face significant personnel and institutional-capacity shortages. While approximately 455 positions are considered necessary for the Ministry to fulfil its legal and operational responsibilities, only 271 are budgeted, with approximately 255 currently filled.
“The personnel gap is not merely a number on paper. It directly affects policymaking, implementation, legislative drafting, recruitment, digital services and the Government’s ability to respond effectively to the needs of the public,” the Prime Minister said. “We are therefore rebuilding capacity step by step by recruiting new talent, strengthening management and addressing longstanding financial and administrative backlogs.”
The Prime Minister identified three strategic priorities for the Ministry in 2026 and beyond:
*Strengthening Government capacity and core support services, particularly Personnel and Organisation, legal affairs, ICT and facility management;
*Promoting national development and strengthening partnerships within the Kingdom, the Caribbean region and internationally; and
*Reinforcing disaster management and crisis-response capacity, including the continued strengthening of the Fire Department.
Particular attention will be given to modernising Government’s human-resource systems through the introduction of the E-HRM platform, which will replace fragmented paper-based procedures and establish a single, reliable source for personnel information.
Prime Minister Mercelina also used the occasion to recognise the dedication of civil servants who continue to serve the country under difficult conditions and significant staffing constraints.
“Our civil servants are working under tremendous pressure to keep Government functioning,” Prime Minister Mercelina stated. “A professional, motivated and properly supported civil service is not a luxury—it is a prerequisite for effective Government. Without well-trained, fairly compensated and properly equipped public servants, no Government can function effectively.”
The Government intends to continue consultations with the unions represented in the Committee of Civil Servants Unions (CCSU) toward a new multi-annual agreement aimed at improving salaries and basic employment conditions. Areas under consideration include the introduction of a 36-hour workweek, additional paternity leave and greater recognition of the risks faced by frontline workers. Any agreement must be pursued responsibly and with due consideration for the country’s financial limitations.
Regarding disaster preparedness, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening the Office of Disaster Management and the Fire Department through additional staffing, upgraded emergency equipment and improved crisis-coordination mechanisms.
“Building resilience is not only about responding when a crisis occurs. It is about preparing for it in a structured and sustained manner,” he said. “Sint Maarten needs a Fire Department that is well-trained, well-paid and properly equipped to respond to any emergency our country may face.”
The Prime Minister further stressed that Sint Maarten’s progress depends on stronger cooperation across ministries, between Government and Parliament, and with partners throughout the Kingdom and internationally. Preparations for a Kingdom Summit later this year are intended to promote more structured dialogue among the four countries of the Kingdom.
Technical discussions are also ongoing with the Netherlands regarding the possible continuation of support under the Country Package beyond its current closing date of April 2027. This support remains important to achieving the Government’s multi-annual institutional-reform objectives.
“The strengthening of Government is not a short-term undertaking, and it will not be completed within a single budget year or administration,” Prime Minister Mercelina concluded. “It requires continuity, discipline and cooperation. Step by step, we must build a stronger foundation for Country Sint Maarten. Step by step, we must strengthen our institutions. Step by step, we must deliver for the people of Sint Maarten.”
The Government remains committed to working with Parliament, civil servants, unions and its partners to build a more professional, responsive and people-centred public administration.
