The Honorable Minister of Finance Marinka J. Gumbs recently delivered a farewell speech in honor of Mr. Paul van Vliet, marking his retirement after 38 years of dedicated service to the profession and business community of Sint Maarten.
The occasion was especially meaningful for Minister Gumbs, who spent 16 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, now Grant Thornton, before entering public service.
The accompanying photograph, featuring Minister Gumbs with Mr. van Vliet and Mr. Herbert Beldman, captures a significant chapter of her professional journey.
When Mr. Beldman asked her to deliver the farewell speech for Paul, she immediately agreed.
“I knew I could never tell Herbert no,” Minister Gumbs said.
She reflected on the important role those years played in shaping the professional she is today.
“This is where the foundation was laid and the pillars were planted for the position I hold today.”
Minister Gumbs expressed gratitude to the many professionals who invested in her throughout her 16 years at the firm, including Cees Rokx, Sherienne Virginia, the late Victoria Valies, Herbert Beldman and Paul van Vliet. Their guidance helped shape her technical knowledge, discipline, integrity, critical thinking and professional standards.
She also recalled the very beginning of her journey to PwC and the late Roy Marlin, whom her mother approached to put in a good word for her when she was invited for a second interview.
“I wanted that opportunity because of Marinka Gumbs, not because someone had recommended me,” she recalled.
With the benefit of experience, she came to understand an important lesson:
“A recommendation may open a door, but it is your character, competence and work ethic that determine whether you remain in the room.”
Reflecting on Paul van Vliet’s 38 years of service, Minister Gumbs described him as a cornerstone of the profession and a mentor whose standards and commitment to excellence influenced generations of professionals.
“Paul, you were one of my mentors, whether you realized it or not. The standards you upheld continue to guide me in public service today.”
For Minister Gumbs, the farewell was ultimately a moment of gratitude and reflection.
“The foundation was laid here. The pillars were planted here. And I remain deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to that journey.”
Minister Gumbs congratulated Mr. van Vliet on his retirement and wished him health, happiness, peace and continued blessings in the next chapter of his life.
