SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Government of Sint Maarten has reached a historic milestone following the unanimous approval of the 2027 Draft National Budget by the Council of Ministers (COM) on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

The Minister of Finance announced that the 2027 National Budget is expected to complete the constitutional process within the legally prescribed timeframe. While several important steps remain before ratification, this approval by the Council of Ministers places Sint Maarten in a position to have an approved national budget before the end of the year for the first time in the country's history.

This milestone is the result of months of preparation, unprecedented collaboration across Government, and a deliberate decision to learn from the past and fundamentally change the way the national budget is prepared.

In presenting the 2026 National Budget to Parliament, Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs made clear that the longstanding pattern of delayed budgets could not continue. Rather than treating these delays as isolated events, the Ministry chose to examine the underlying causes that had contributed to repeated delays over many years. The conclusion was clear: delivering budgets on time would require more than working harder. It would require working differently.

The 2027 budget cycle marked a fundamental shift in Government's approach to budgeting. Rather than beginning with numbers alone, the process began with strategy. In February, the Ministry of Finance launched the 2027 budget cycle with its first-ever Strategic Budget Session, bringing together Ministers, Secretaries-General, Financial Controllers, Chiefs of Staff, the Policy-Based Budgeting team, and the Financial Policy Department (FBBB). Representatives of the CFT also attended the session as observers.

This collaborative approach continued over the following months through regular working sessions and targeted support for ministries requiring additional assistance. By engaging ministries earlier and working closely with them throughout the process, Government was able to align policy priorities with available resources, identify challenges sooner, and improve both the quality and timeliness of budget preparation.

Those conversations laid the foundation for a budget process built on planning rather than urgency.

Government also continued implementing Policy-Based Budgeting, strengthening the connection between public spending and the policy outcomes it seeks to achieve. Rather than viewing the budget as a collection of expenditures, ministries were challenged to clearly define what they intended to accomplish, how those priorities supported Government's broader objectives, and how public resources would contribute to measurable results.

Throughout the budget cycle, the Policy-Based Budgeting team within the Ministry of Finance worked closely with every ministry, providing guidance and technical support that improved the quality, consistency, and coherence of budget submissions while helping ministries stay on schedule.

The Minister of Finance underscored that this achievement is shared. "This is not a success that belongs to the Ministry of Finance alone. It belongs to this Government. It belongs to every ministry that committed itself to the process, every civil servant who contributed to the preparation of the policy books, every Financial Controller who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, every Secretary-General who provided leadership within their ministry, and every colleague Minister who took ownership of their ministry's priorities."

Minister Marinka Gumbs thanked her fellow members of the Council of Ministers for embracing a more disciplined approach to the budget process. Their early engagement, difficult policy choices, and active involvement made this a truly Government-wide effort.

The Minister of Finance reserved special recognition for the Secretary-General of Finance, Ms. Roxanne Howell, the Financial Policy Department and the Policy-Based Budgeting team, internally led by Christian Grannum with project management support by Grant Thornton, Jan Ludolf Herees and Robert van Zeeland, for the leadership they provided throughout the reform process.

Often working outside public view, these professionals provided the steady coordination, sound judgment, and collaborative approach required to transform an ambitious reform into a tangible result.

The Minister added that this milestone also establishes a new expectation for Government: "We have shown that institutional reform is possible. We have demonstrated that with planning, discipline, and collective ownership, Sint Maarten can deliver its national budget on time. We have raised the standard. Our responsibility is no longer to prove that it can be done, but to continue improving the quality of our budget submissions while refining our timelines year after year."

While important constitutional steps remain before the budget reaches Parliament, this milestone offers confidence that the country is entering a new chapter in public financial management. The work continues, but the foundation has been laid.

Reflecting on the achievement, Minister Gumbs concluded:

"This achievement is significant, but it is not the destination. It is evidence that we are moving in the right direction. This Government remains committed to continuously improving both the quality of the budget and the discipline of the process that produces it. The people of Sint Maarten deserve nothing less." 

The Draft National Budget 2027 has now been submitted to the CFT for its advice. In addition, the Minister of Finance has submitted an Improvement Plan for the 2027 budget process, reflecting her commitment to the timely completion of the 2027 National Budget. The remaining stages of the budget process include review by the Council of Advice before the draft budget is submitted to Parliament.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten (NFSXM) and the Ministry of Justice have launched the Protection through Biosecurity Project: A Strategic Initiative for Sint Maarten aimed at strengthening the country's capacity to prevent the introduction of invasive species, combat illegal wildlife trade, and improve the implementation of international biodiversity agreements, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The project also seeks to strengthen coordination among key stakeholders involved in protecting Sint Maarten's borders and natural environment.

“Invasive species and illegal wildlife trade are increasingly putting our marine life and local communities at risk. For me, protecting our borders also means protecting our natural environment from threats that can have lasting consequences for our island. This initiative reflects our commitment to protecting the very ecosystems and natural resources that we all depend on, ” said Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling.

Some of the most common species that are imported and exported from Sint Maarten that fall on the CITES lists include queen conch, caviar, and several bird species. The Convention covers more than 36,000 species worldwide making enforcement a difficult and specialized task. Small developed islands like Sint Maarten act as a hub for the region resulting in high volumes of imported goods and creating significant enforcement challenges for local officers.

“Biosecurity is about protecting Sint Maarten’s people, economy, and natural resources from risks that often go unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred. By strengthening CITES implementation and improving coordination between local and regional stakeholders, we are investing in a more resilient future for the island,” said the Nature Foundation’s Director, Leslie Hickerson.

A key element of this 18-month project will be the introduction of a dedicated Biosecurity Officer within the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten. This officer will work closely with local and regional enforcement agencies by providing technical support, coordinating training opportunities, and strengthening regional actions. Through this enhanced support, the project seeks to improve detection, prevention, and response efforts while building long-term capacity for biodiversity protection.

Protection through Biosecurity is funded by BESTLIFE2030 (Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European Overseas), a granting mechanism focusing on preserving and restoring biodiversity in the EU’s outermost regions (ORs) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), which host rich biodiversity but also face significant climate change threats.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO - After expanding to Bonaire last year October and following the successful establishment of offices on Saba and Sint Maarten, DEJONG has officially opened its newest branch in Curaçao.

The official opening ceremony, held on Friday evening, June 26, brought together government officials, members of the judiciary, business leaders, clients, colleagues, family and friends to celebrate another milestone in the firm's regional growth. The evening reflected not only the opening of a new office, but the continued realization of a vision that began not too long ago on the smallest Caribbean island within our Kingdom, Saba.

The ceremony celebrated the firm's journey, its people and its commitment to the communities it serves. Guests were welcomed by Branch Manager Ms. Lisandra Figaroa, followed by speeches from Attorney Dagmar Daal, Attorney Valya Pantophlet, keynote speaker the Honorable Mr. Patrice Gumbs, Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) of Sint Maarten, business acquisitions and client relations partner Ms. Cece Pinet, and finally DEJONG founder Mr. Gerald Simmons – de Jong, before unveiling of the new office logo took place.

Ms. Cece Pinette, business acquisitions and client relations partner at DEJONG, delivered what many of the guests described as the most moving moment of the evening.

Speaking from personal experience as a cancer survivor, she announced DEJONG’s donation to the In Her Shoes Foundation — a Curaçao-based organization founded by Ms. Alicia Alba van der Dijs, dedicated to walking alongside women facing a breast cancer diagnosis. “I know what it means to face that diagnosis — the fear, the uncertainty, and the profound gratitude for anyone who shows up and says: I see you, and I am here,” Pinette told the audience. “That is exactly what the In Her Shoes Foundation does.”

DEJONG founder Gerald Simmons - de Jong joined Pinette in front, and together they presented the donation cheque to Ms. Alicia Alba van der Dijs, in her capacity as founder of In Her Shoes, and Ms. Janice da Costa Gomez. Accepting the cheque with quiet grace, Ms. van der Dijs addressed the gathering briefly sharing with the guests that she felt overwhelmed by the support shown to the foundation. It was a moment that captured, in a single gesture, DEJONG’s conviction that a law office does not exist in isolation from its community. As Pinette put it: “Justice and care go hand in hand.”

A vision that started on Saba

In his closing address, founder Gerald Simmons – de Jong reflected on the firm's remarkable journey. What began as a one-man practice operating from a small farm on Saba has, in only a few years, grown into a regional law firm with offices throughout the Dutch Caribbean.

Speaking in both English and Papiamentu, Simmons – de Jong described the opening as proof that consistency, resilience and integrity can transform even the smallest beginnings into something meaningful. "Curaçao is not simply another office," he told guests. "It is a bridge between islands, between legal systems, a bridge within our Kingdom, and between it’s people. It is our commitment that DEJONG is here to stay."

He further reflected on the values instilled by his Indonesian mother, and growing up in a semi-immigrant household, which taught him that every opportunity should be met with hard work, integrity and excellence, reminding guests that success is rarely built on perfection, but on perseverance and character.

Returning home

Attorney Dagmar Daal, who recently joined DEJONG after many years of legal practice throughout the Caribbean, described the opening as a deeply personal homecoming.

Having started her legal career in Curaçao more than a decade ago, she reflected on returning to the island to help build what she described as "a truly Caribbean law firm."

She observed that while many firms traditionally expand from the larger islands outward, DEJONG had followed the opposite path—growing from the smallest island in the Kingdom towards Curaçao.

"It reminds us that where you start does not determine where you can go," she remarked. "What matters is having the courage to begin."

A firm built by people

Speaking on behalf of the Sint Maarten office, Partner Valya Pantophlet reflected on the rapid growth of DEJONG since its establishment in 2023. She emphasized that although the firm's name appears above every office entrance, DEJONG's success belongs to the many professionals who have believed in a shared vision and worked together to build something lasting.

Pantophlet highlighted the firm's core values of integrity, excellence, accessibility, innovation and service, while emphasizing that every client who enters a DEJONG office is treated not simply as a client, but as part of the firm's extended family. 

Solution-oriented legal practice

The keynote address was delivered by the Honourable Patrice Gumbs, Minister of VROMI of Sint Maarten. In an inspiring speech, Minister Gumbs reflected on what distinguishes DEJONG within the legal profession. He praised the firm's solution-oriented philosophy, noting that the practice of law should not merely revolve around litigation, but around helping people resolve complex issues in a practical and sustainable manner.

He commended DEJONG's strong emphasis on mediation, careful preparation, collaboration, strategic thinking and attention to detail, observing that the firm's approach demonstrates that excellent legal representation is built not only on legal expertise, but equally on understanding people, building trust and working together towards meaningful solutions. His remarks echoed the firm's guiding philosophy of placing relationships at the centre of legal practice while remaining firmly focused on achieving results. 

Focused on relationships. Driven by results.

With the opening of its Curaçao office, DEJONG now maintains a permanent presence across Curaçao, Sint Maarten and all three BES islands. Since its establishment in 2023, the firm has continued to distinguish itself through its combination of commercial law, government administrative law, legislative drafting, mediation and strategic legal advisory services.

Across every jurisdiction in which it operates, the firm's philosophy remains unchanged: Legal excellence begins with understanding people. "Our work has never simply been about winning cases," said founder Gerald Simmons – de Jong. "It is about building relationships, creating trust, solving problems and leaving every client, every organisation and every community stronger than we found it. That is what DEJONG stands for. That is what we are bringing to Curaçao."

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Hope, resilience and personal transformation took center stage Thursday evening as hundreds gathered at Port St. Maarten for Choose Happiness, an event that challenged attendees to look beyond life's hardships and embrace happiness as a conscious daily choice.

Hosted by the Indian Merchants Association (IMA) in collaboration with the Sadhu Vaswani Center St. Maarten, the evening brought together community leaders and residents for an inspiring programme focused on mental wellbeing, faith and the power of personal change.

Parliament Chairwoman MP Sarah Wescot-Williams delivered the keynote address, reminding the audience that while technology continues to transform society, one uniquely human ability remains unchanged: the power to choose. Quoting the Dalai Lama, she said, "Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions."

She urged attendees to pause amid the demands of daily life and ask themselves, "What am I carrying, and why am I carrying it?" while emphasizing the importance of collective mental health, compassion and supporting one another. Describing happiness as a daily practice, she encouraged choosing hope over despair and reminded the audience that choosing happiness is not selfish, but an act of care for both oneself and the community.

Following the keynote, Alita Singh delivered a presentation titled "Beyond Survival: Choosing Happiness." Reflecting on St. Maarten's resilience through defining moments such as constitutional change, Hurricane Irma, the COVID-19 pandemic and the prolonged power outages of 2024, she challenged attendees to move beyond survival and intentionally make room for healing and joy.

"Resilience helps us survive. Happiness helps us live," Singh said, encouraging everyone to create their own "jar of happiness" while helping others create theirs through kindness, hope and compassion.

Although internationally respected spiritual leader Didi Krishna Kumari had travelled to St. Maarten for the event, illness prevented her from attending in person. Ashok Lalwani, Head of the Sadhu Vaswani Center for World Peace, encouraged attendees to embrace the evening's message rather than focus on disappointment.

"We can choose to regret that Didi is not with us this evening, or we can choose happiness," he said. "She is here in spirit. Her thoughts are here, and her blessings are with each one of you."

Following a symbolic candle-lighting ceremony, attendees viewed a recorded message from Rev. Didi Krishna Kumari, who challenged them to stop asking who else needs to change and instead ask themselves, "Who needs to change to bring happiness?" Her answer was simple: "It is I who need to change."

She encouraged the audience to cultivate an uncluttered mind, keep their hearts light by letting go of anger and resentment, place life's burdens in God's hands, and remember that lasting happiness begins with personal transformation.

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Divina Mirpuri. As attendees departed, they carried with them a shared message that echoed throughout the programme: St. Maarten has repeatedly demonstrated that it knows how to survive. The next challenge is to heal, reconnect and consciously choose happiness—one decision at a time.