As Parliament prepares to vote on the National Budget 2026, Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs says approval of the budget will allow Government to move forward with several important commitments to the people of St. Maarten, including the long-awaited cost-of-living adjustment for civil servants.
One of the important provisions in Budget 2026 is the 2.5% indexation for civil servants, retroactive to January 2026. The budget also provides funding to fill critical vacant positions throughout Government.
“Our civil servants have been waiting for this adjustment, and I understand what it means to them and their families, especially at a time when the cost of living continues to be a concern,” Minister Gumbs said. “Once the budget is approved, Government can move forward with the process to have this adjustment paid.”
Budget 2026 projects approximately Cg. 647 million in revenue and Cg. 636 million in operating expenditures, while providing Cg. 163 million in capital investments aimed at improving infrastructure, public services and national development.
The budget also provides significant funding for education, healthcare and social development, justice, infrastructure, economic development and the continued modernization of Government.
For the Ministry of Finance, work will continue on modernizing the Tax Administration, strengthening financial management and controls, improving tax compliance and making Government’s financial systems more efficient and accountable.
Budget 2026 also marks an important change in the way Government prepares its budget. For the first time, Government has introduced a policy based budgeting approach, which seeks to better connect the money being spent with Government’s policies, priorities and measurable results.
Minister Gumbs again acknowledged that Budget 2026 came later than it should have.
“I have never tried to make excuses for the delay. We must do better, and we are doing better. The lessons learned from the 2026 process have already been applied to Budget 2027,” the Minister stated.
She emphasized that Budget 2026 should not be presented as a perfect budget or as one that will solve every challenge facing St. Maarten.
“There is still a lot of work to be done. We will not get everything right overnight. What is important is that we continue to improve, remain accountable and keep working in the interest of the people.”
Minister Gumbs also expressed appreciation to Members of Parliament for their questions, concerns and recommendations during the budget debate, as well as to her colleague Ministers and the civil servants across Government who contributed to preparing the budget.
“Whether coalition or opposition, Parliament has an important responsibility to question Government and hold us accountable. We may not always agree, but at the end of the day, we all serve the same people and the same St. Maarten.”
The Minister said the vote on Budget 2026 is ultimately about allowing Government to move from planning and debate to execution.
“For our civil servants, it means moving forward with their retroactive 2.5% adjustment. For Government departments, it means filling critical vacancies. For the country, it means moving forward with investments and programmes that have been budgeted for.”
“I respectfully look forward to Parliament’s decision. Budget 2026 represents an important step forward for our civil servants, our Government and our country. There is still much work ahead, but with accountability, cooperation and a shared commitment to St. Maarten, we can continue building on the progress we have made.”
Minister Gumbs concluded, “My commitment has always been, and will continue to be, to the people of St. Maarten. The decisions we make today must improve the lives of our people, create opportunities for our young people, provide greater security for our families and strengthen the future of our country. I understand that people are looking to Government not only for plans and promises, but for results. That is why I will continue to stand up for the interests of the people, remain accountable for the work entrusted to me and do my part to ensure that we turn our plans into action. St. Maarten deserves progress, opportunity and a Government that continues working for its people. Let us continue moving forward together.”
