GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Raeyhon Peterson has announced that he will bring a budget amendment to redirect 80% of Parliament's travel budget toward comprehensive repairs of St. Maarten's public schools, directly challenging fellow parliamentarians who have criticized the condition of school facilities to demonstrate their commitment by supporting the proposal.
Speaking during Wednesday evening's continuation of the 2027 national budget debate, Peterson said the proposed savings would be reallocated to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) to help address longstanding maintenance problems affecting public schools.
The announcement came as a direct response to criticism from other MPs concerning the government's procedures for accepting donations and assistance for school repairs. Peterson defended the need for proper safeguards when elected officials offer to undertake work at public schools, arguing that such involvement raises questions about political influence, accountability and the separation of responsibilities.
Rather than continuing the disagreement over which MPs should be permitted to assist schools directly, Peterson proposed using Parliament's own resources to support the repairs through the responsible ministry.
He said he looks forward to receiving the support of colleagues who have been vocal about the condition of schools while continuing to participate in parliamentary travel, including trips to Parlatino, the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament.
The proposal places a specific financial choice before Parliament: retain the existing travel allocation or redirect most of it toward improvements to school facilities.
Peterson did not specify the total amount the amendment would generate, but indicated that he intends to formally introduce the proposal during the budget process.
Defends School Donation Rules, Warns Against Political Influence
Peterson's announcement followed a heated exchange concerning the Ministry of Education's donation procedures, particularly restrictions on members of Parliament personally financing or undertaking structural repairs at public schools.
He defended the ministry's approach, explaining that construction work on public property involves responsibility, liability and accountability considerations that must be addressed.
The MP argued that assistance offered by businesses or private organizations must be viewed differently from assistance provided directly by elected officials, particularly when public recognition could create the appearance of political promotion.
Drawing on his experiences growing up in Curaçao, Peterson recalled earlier controversies involving politicians distributing school supplies bearing political identification.
He maintained that schools should remain protected from political influence, regardless of the intentions behind an offer of assistance.
During interruptions from fellow parliamentarians, questions were raised about whether similar standards are being applied consistently to political donations, public-private partnerships and other forms of assistance to public institutions.
Peterson maintained his position that proper procedures should be followed and that school maintenance should not become a political competition among elected representatives.
His proposed budget amendment would allow Parliament to contribute financially through the Ministry of Education rather than through individual MPs undertaking repair projects.
Questions Government's Capacity to Develop Revenue Measures
The MP also questioned whether the Ministry of Finance has sufficient personnel to properly evaluate and implement revenue-generating proposals originating from other ministries.
He noted that new economic initiatives frequently require financial assessments, legislative preparation and coordination with the tax administration before they can be introduced.
Peterson requested information on the staffing of the department responsible for reviewing such initiatives and whether plans exist to strengthen its capacity.
He warned that proposals intended to increase government revenue could continue experiencing delays if the departments responsible for evaluating them remain understaffed.
The MP also requested clarification concerning the Ministry of VROMI's proposed economic plan for Philipsburg, asking what the initiative entails and how it is expected to contribute to national development.
Parliament Must Respect Its Role
Peterson also challenged repeated suggestions that government should invite members of Parliament to become more directly involved in developing and executing policies.
He emphasized that the constitutional separation between Parliament and the executive branch must be respected.
According to Peterson, members of Parliament have a responsibility to scrutinize, supervise and hold government accountable, rather than attempt to exercise executive authority through informal collaboration or direct involvement in government decisions.
He cautioned that blurring those responsibilities could undermine the institutional safeguards intended to maintain accountability.
While recognizing the need for government to make difficult financial decisions, Peterson argued that elected representatives must also be prepared to support measures that reflect the priorities they publicly advocate.
His proposed reduction in Parliament's travel budget was presented as one such measure.
