SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - With the National Budget 2026 now adopted by Parliament, Honorable Minister of Finance Marinka J. Gumbs has called on Government, Parliament, institutions, and the people of Sint Maarten to work more collectively in addressing the country’s challenges.
Reflecting on the conclusion of the budget debate, Minister Gumbs emphasized that while the adoption of the National Budget 2026 is an important milestone, the real measure of success will be what Government accomplishes with it.
“One of the most important lessons I take away from this entire debate is that we have to get it together. Not individually, but collectively,” Minister Gumbs stated.
“When I say ‘we,’ I do not mean only the Council of Ministers. I mean Government as a whole. I mean Parliament. I mean the institutions that serve this country. And wherever possible, I mean us as a people.”
“Sint Maarten is too small, and the challenges before us are too great, for us to continue operating in silos.”
Minister Gumbs called for a greater focus on what she described as the three C’s: Communication, Collaboration and Coordination.
“We need better communication so that Government operates with a shared understanding of what is happening, what needs to be done, and where responsibility lies, while continuing to hold each other accountable,” the Minister stated.
“We need collaboration because the challenges facing our country do not neatly begin and end at the door of one ministry. And we need coordination so that all of our efforts, policies, resources, and good intentions actually translate into results.”
The Minister stressed that while every ministry has its own mandate and every Minister has individual responsibilities, challenges requiring cooperation between ministries, departments, and institutions cannot become about territory, personalities, or who receives credit.
“It has to be about getting the job done.”
“The person waiting for Government to deliver a service does not care which ministry gets the credit. The business owner trying to make payroll does not care which department should have communicated with another department. The young person looking for opportunity does not care which institution was supposed to take the first step.”
Minister Gumbs also highlighted Government’s responsibility toward Sint Maarten’s elderly.
“Our elderly, who have worked, contributed, and helped build the Sint Maarten we have today, deserve to know that the country they helped build will continue to look after their interests and their dignity.”
“They want Government to work. And they have every right to expect us to make it work.”
The Minister expressed gratitude to all Members of Parliament for their participation throughout the handling of the National Budget 2026. She thanked those who voted in favor of the budget and also acknowledged the contributions of those who voted against it.
“A vote against does not diminish the value of the questions that were raised, the constructive criticism that was offered, or the recommendations that were put forward,” Minister Gumbs stated. “That too is part of our democratic process, and those contributions have been duly noted.”
Although not every suggestion could be addressed within Budget 2026, the Minister emphasized that the concerns and recommendations raised have not been dismissed.
“As we move forward with Budget 2027, I am hopeful that Members will see where relevant recommendations and concerns can be incorporated and reflected in the direction of the next budget.”
With Parliament having adopted the National Budget 2026, Minister Gumbs said Government now has the financial framework necessary to continue carrying out its responsibilities and delivering for the people of Sint Maarten.
The Minister also recognized the hardworking civil servants who contributed to the preparation and handling of the budget.
“A national budget is not prepared by one Minister, one Cabinet, or one department. It is the result of many civil servants working, often long hours and behind the scenes, to keep the machinery of Government functioning.”
Minister Gumbs extended special appreciation to her Cabinet, the Secretary General of Finance, and the civil servants within the Ministry of Finance, whose dedication and commitment she said were instrumental in bringing Budget 2026 to this point.
The Minister also addressed the lateness of the budget and emphasized that Government must learn from the experience.
“Despite the late handling of this budget, Government continued to meet its monthly obligations. Salaries and other recurring obligations did not come to a halt. Members of Parliament, Ministers, and civil servants continued to receive their salaries on time, and Government continued to function.”
“However, I will not use that as an excuse for the lateness of the budget. The budget was late. That is a fact, and we must own it.”
Minister Gumbs said Government has heard the concerns raised by Parliament and by the people of Sint Maarten and expressed her sincere hope that Budget 2026 will be the last late budget brought before Parliament.
“What matters now is whether we learn from it.”
The Minister confirmed that work on Budget 2027 is already well underway. Government has received the advice of the Council of Advice and is now moving into the next phase of the trajectory toward Parliament.
“We cannot go back and change what happened with Budget 2026. But we can learn from it. We can improve because of it. And we can do better going forward.”
Reflecting on the deliberations in Parliament, Minister Gumbs also highlighted a question posed by MP LaCroes to all Ministers, which she said required self reflection.
“Are we where we need to be? Are we doing enough? And where do we need to improve?”
“My answer is straightforward: everything is not going right. And I believe we must be mature enough, as leaders, to acknowledge that.”
The Minister emphasized that acknowledging shortcomings does not erase the progress that has been made or diminish the hard work of civil servants and the accomplishments of Government.
“It simply means that we must be honest enough to recognize that there are areas where we can and must do better. Everything will never be perfect. But perfection cannot be the standard we wait for before we act. When you know better, you do better.”
Minister Gumbs also emphasized that the generations coming behind today’s leaders are watching how Government governs and how leaders interact with one another.
“They are watching how we govern. They are watching how we disagree. They are watching how we communicate with one another. And they are watching whether, when the politics are finished, we are capable of putting the interests of Sint Maarten above our individual interests.”
“We do not have to show them that leadership is perfect. We have to show them that leadership is responsible.”
The Minister said responsible leadership means being willing to acknowledge when something is not working, listening when criticism is justified, and having the courage to make corrections.
“Occupying a position of leadership is not the achievement. What we accomplish for the people while we are here is what matters.”
Minister Gumbs stressed that the adoption of Budget 2026 cannot itself be considered the ultimate achievement.
“Budget 2026 has now passed. The debate is over, but the work is not.”
“Budget 2026 is no longer a proposal before Parliament. It is now a responsibility that Government must carry out.”
“Now we have to execute. Now we have to deliver. And now we have to ensure that the plans and figures contained in this budget translate into tangible results for the people of Sint Maarten.”
Minister Gumbs noted that differences of opinion will always exist within Parliament and are an important part of democracy. However, she stressed that beyond those differences there must remain a shared commitment to the country.
“At the end of the day, this is not about Government being able to say that it passed a budget. It is about whether the people of Sint Maarten can see, feel, and ultimately benefit from the decisions contained within it.”
“That is the standard by which we should be judged.”
Minister Gumbs concluded by calling on the people of Sint Maarten to continue holding Government accountable.
“The Budget 2026 has been adopted. Now the responsibility is ours to deliver.”
“To the people of Sint Maarten, continue to hold us accountable, continue to expect better from us, and continue to believe in what this country can become when we work together in its best interest.”
The Minister concluded with a prayer for wisdom, courage, and humility as Government moves forward.
“May God continue to grant us the wisdom to lead, the courage to make the difficult decisions, and the humility to remember who we are here to serve. May God continue to bless each and every one of you, and may God continue to bless our beloved Sint Maarten.”
