GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion has submitted amendments to the 2026 national budget aimed at reducing the increased allocation for government travel and redirecting funds toward St. Maarten Day celebrations, public schools and the National Sports Institute, NSI.
Irion presented the amendments during the second round of the 2026 budget debate, arguing that government should reconsider increased travel spending at a time when several areas directly affecting the community continue to face financial constraints.
According to Irion, his proposal would reduce the travel allocation from the higher amount included in the 2026 budget and bring it closer to the original level. He said government travel should be weighed against the immediate needs of institutions and activities at home, particularly when government has repeatedly pointed to limited financial resources.
Irion said one portion of the funds should be redirected toward St. Maarten Day celebrations. He referred to previous discussions about insufficient funding for national celebrations and said St. Maarten should be prepared to invest in activities that promote national identity and pride.
Under his amendment, Cg 50,000 would be allocated toward preparations and celebrations for St. Maarten Day. Irion said there are still approximately three months available to prepare and argued that if the country wants a larger national celebration, resources should be provided to make that possible.
The MP also proposed directing part of the reallocated travel funds to public schools. Irion said he considers it unacceptable that public schools sometimes have to organize fundraising activities to cover basic needs and school-related expenses that should be adequately supported through the education system.
He specifically referred to schools selling items such as pizza to raise funds for basic supplies and other expenses. Irion also pointed to graduation-related costs, including venues, gowns, caps and sashes, saying schools should not have to depend heavily on fundraising to provide students with a proper graduation experience.
Irion said the situation is particularly concerning because public schools and teachers may face restrictions in how they can raise money. He expressed hope that additional funding through the budget amendment could provide direct support to schools and that the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport could ensure the funds are made available without unnecessary delays.
A further portion of the proposed reallocation would go to the National Sports Institute, NSI. Irion said the NSI is currently dealing with staffing challenges, particularly within its administrative operations, because a staff member is presently unavailable.
He said the additional funding would help the NSI strengthen its administrative capacity and continue carrying out its responsibilities over the coming months.
Irion framed the amendments as a question of budget priorities, maintaining that government should examine whether all planned travel is necessary when St. Maarten Day celebrations, public schools and institutions such as the NSI are seeking additional resources.
The MP said he does not oppose travel where it produces clear benefits for St. Maarten, but believes public expenditure should translate into tangible results. His amendments therefore seek to take part of the increased travel allocation and redirect it toward areas where he believes the impact can be more immediately felt within the country.
The amendments were submitted as part of Parliament’s consideration of the 2026 national budget.
