GREAT BAY--Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) Melissa Gumbs has warned Parliament that the Ministry faces an estimated Cg 11.8 million funding gap in 2027, despite a proposed budget increase of Cg 7.1 million, or 5.64 percent. The Minister explained that while the additional funding will help maintain essential services and meet existing obligations, it will not adequately address longstanding challenges in education, school maintenance, inclusive learning, cultural preservation, youth development and sports.

GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten has outlined six strategic priorities intended to guide St. Maarten's economic development in 2027, placing emphasis on diversification, cost-of-living relief, consumer protection, reliable economic data, tourism development and stronger government institutions.

GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten has introduced the possibility of a financial transaction tax as part of a broader discussion on reforming St. Maarten's revenue system, reducing existing tax burdens and creating a more attractive investment environment.

GREAT BAY--Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina announced that the Ministry of General Affairs' budget will increase from approximately Cg 82 million in 2026 to Cg 95 million in 2027, representing an increase of roughly 15 percent. The additional allocation is intended to address longstanding operational weaknesses, strengthen government departments, improve public services and ensure that essential operating expenses are more accurately reflected in the national budget.

GREAT BAY--Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has announced additional professional capacity for the government's Legal Affairs and Personnel and Organization (P&O) departments, including the engagement of legislative lawyers, the establishment of an external legal support pool and expanded recruitment support to address longstanding staffing shortages and administrative delays.

GREAT BAY--The Fire Department will receive a budget increase of approximately 16 percent in 2027 as government moves to address longstanding challenges involving equipment, staffing, training and operational readiness. Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina announced the increase during his presentation of the Ministry of General Affairs' draft 2027 budget to Parliament on Tuesday.