SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Social Economic Council (SER) of Sint Maarten has published its 2025 Annual Report, presenting an overview of the Council’s activities, advisory work, institutional developments, financial management, and local and international engagements during the year under review.
The report reflects a year of renewed advisory activity. The SER finalized 10 comprehensive advisory reports during 2025 as it worked to address a backlog of legislative advice dating back to 2023.
Among the key matters addressed were advice concerning public transportation bus tariff adjustments, the Early Childhood Development funding mechanism, the proposed Visitor’s Tax, and the Sustainable Affordable Accessible Health Care Act (SAAHA). In its consideration of SAAHA, the SER addressed matters including cost containment, fiscal consequences for taxpayers and outstanding arrears to SZV.
The Council also maintained an active meeting schedule. During 2025, the Board held 23 meetings, including approximately six extraordinary meetings during which experts provided additional information on matters related to SAAHA and the Visitor’s Tax advice.
Beyond its advisory work, the SER continued to strengthen institutional cooperation locally, regionally and internationally. During 2025, the Council held consultations with Government, civil society organizations, international partners and fellow Social Economic Councils within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
A significant milestone was achieved on December 5, 2025, when the SER met with the Conseil Économique, Social et Culturel de Saint-Martin (CESC) for the first time in the SER’s history. The SER also participated in the AICESIS General Assembly in Curaçao in October 2025. The Annual Report further outlines the Council’s financial management. It reports total expenditure of XCG 1,162,513, against a total budget figure of XCG 1,365,174, The report notes that the SER remained within the stated budgeted amount.
The report also provides transparency on advisory requests received during 2025, listing six pending matters ranging from the establishment of a new poverty line for Sint Maarten to proposed amendments concerning corporate income tax and the Code of Civil Procedure.
Chairman Harlec G.F. Doran reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to strengthened cooperation with Government and Parliament, supported by independent research and shared responsibility, with the objective of contributing to a sustainable and prosperous future for Sint Maarten.
As the SER moves forward, the publication of the 2025 Annual Report underscores its commitment to transparency, accountability, constructive social dialogue and independent socio-economic advice.
