SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Member of Parliament (MP) Egbert J. Doran used the 2027 Budget debate to call for stronger accountability, better planning and practical solutions to the challenges facing Sint Maarten, the MP said in a press statement on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
“Sint Maarten will not be able to sustain another two years of this same setup,” Doran declared, stressing the need for Government to move beyond promises and deliver meaningful results.
While acknowledging Government’s timely submission of Budget 2027, Doran questioned whether the proposed projects are supported by realistic financing and execution plans.
“Having it on time and having it wrong doesn’t make sense because it’s just plans without executable dates,” he stated.
Referring to concerns raised by the Council of Advice and the Cft, Doran questioned how Government intends to secure financing for capital investments while several projects remain outstanding.
The former Minister of VROMI raised concerns about road maintenance, the solid waste collection tender, public-private partnerships and the Alegria court matter. He requested clarity on funds previously allocated for road markings, traffic signs and repairs, while calling for greater transparency in the handling of public contracts.
Doran also presented practical proposals aimed at easing the financial pressure on residents and businesses. On GEBE, he called for an examination of the fuel throughput fee paid to the Port to determine whether reducing it could lower electricity costs. He also proposed a fairer commercial utility rate structure that distinguishes between small businesses and larger companies.
On revenue generation, Doran urged Government to move forward with the proposed tourist tax and explore a system similar to Anguilla’s Alien Land Holding Licence. Such an approach, he suggested, could generate additional revenue from certain foreign property acquisitions while creating greater benefits for Sint Maarten residents.
The safety of students at Marie Genevieve de Weever School was another major concern. Doran presented recent photographs showing deteriorating concrete and called for proper protective barriers to be installed immediately rather than relying solely on caution tape.
“This is not about me. It’s not about you. It’s not about anything else but the safety of the children,” he emphasized.
Doran also raised concerns about ambulance staffing shortages and suggested exploring temporary assistance from other countries within the Kingdom. He called for progress on outstanding personnel matters affecting Justice and Fire Department workers and proposed renewed cultural initiatives to preserve Sint Maarten’s traditions and history.
The MP further questioned the reduction in parliamentary meetings, stating that 25 fewer meetings were held during the 2025–2026 parliamentary year despite the many issues requiring Government’s attention.
Throughout his address, Doran emphasized that planning ahead, following through on commitments and finding workable solutions must remain central to the country’s development.
“We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect a different result,” he stated.
Doran closed by urging Government and Parliament to act with greater urgency, stressing that the people of Sint Maarten deserve to see progress on the issues affecting their daily lives.
“The time to act is now. Enough is enough.”
