PHILIPSBURG — Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has reflected on the conclusion of the parliamentary debate on the Draft Budget 2026, emphasizing that finalizing the national budget is not the end of Government’s work but the beginning of its responsibility to implement, account and deliver.
“The Budget 2026 has been finalized following extensive deliberations, questions, answers, motions and amendments. This process has once again demonstrated that democracy requires dialogue, scrutiny, accountability and, above all, a willingness to work in the interest of the people we are privileged to serve,” Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina stated.
The Prime Minister expressed his sincere appreciation to Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs for her leadership, perseverance and commitment throughout the budgetary process.
“Preparing and defending a national budget is no simple undertaking. It requires discipline, careful consideration and the ability to balance the many urgent needs of our people against the financial realities of our country,” the Prime Minister said.
“I thank Minister Gumbs, her Cabinet, the Secretary General, the financial professionals and the entire team within the Ministry of Finance for the many hours invested in bringing this process to completion.”
Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina also recognized his fellow Ministers within the Council of Ministers, noting that each Ministry contributed to the Budget 2026 and was required to make difficult decisions concerning priorities, programmes and available resources.
“To my colleagues in the Council of Ministers, I extend my sincere appreciation for your cooperation, collective responsibility and continued commitment to moving Sint Maarten forward,” he stated.
The Prime Minister further thanked all Members of Parliament for their participation in the debate and acknowledged the importance of the questions, proposals, motions and amendments presented throughout the parliamentary process.
“While the Government and Parliament may not always agree on every policy choice or proposed solution, we must never lose sight of our shared responsibility to improve the lives of the people of Sint Maarten,” Prime Minister Mercelina said.
“Our differences should challenge us to work harder, listen more carefully and pursue better outcomes for our country.”
Looking ahead to the preparation of the Budget 2027, the Prime Minister expressed optimism that the Government and Parliament can build upon the lessons learned from the handling of the Budget 2026.
“The national budget must never be viewed merely as a collection of figures. It is an expression of our priorities, our responsibilities and our vision for the country,” he said.
“The earlier we work together, the better positioned we will be to produce a Budget 2027 that is realistic, responsible and responsive to the needs of our people.”
Prime Minister Mercelina placed particular emphasis on the contribution of civil servants across all seven Ministries, many of whom worked beyond regular working hours to provide Parliament with the required answers, financial calculations, policy explanations and supporting documentation.
“Behind every answer provided to Parliament and every document submitted were dedicated public servants working diligently to ensure that the Government could properly account for its plans and decisions,” the Prime Minister stated.
“I thank all Secretaries General, department heads, policy workers, financial controllers, legal advisors, administrative personnel and every other civil servant who contributed to this process.”
The Prime Minister also recognized the Cabinets and support staff of the respective Ministers, along with the personnel supporting the Council of Ministers and the Parliament of Sint Maarten.
“Your work may not always be visible to the public, but it is indispensable to the functioning of our democracy and the continuity of government. On behalf of the Council of Ministers, I thank you for your professionalism, sacrifice and service to our country,” he said.
Addressing the people of Sint Maarten, Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina acknowledged the economic and social pressures confronting families and emphasized that the public expects tangible progress from the Government.
“We recognize that many families are facing real pressures. We understand that our people expect more than promises; they expect progress that can be seen and felt in their daily lives,” the Prime Minister stated.
“The approval of a budget is therefore not the end of our work. It is the beginning of our responsibility to implement, to account and to deliver.”
Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina acknowledged that the Budget 2026 will not resolve every challenge facing the country but said it provides the framework through which the Government must continue strengthening public institutions, improving the delivery of public services and creating greater opportunities for the people of Sint Maarten.
“Our progress will require patience, but it must also be measurable. It will require cooperation, but it must also be accompanied by accountability. Above all, it will require us to place the national interest ahead of individual or political interests,” he stated.
The Prime Minister concluded with a call for renewed determination and active cooperation among Government, Parliament, the civil service and the wider community.
“Let us move forward with hope and not a passive hope that simply waits for better days, but an active hope grounded in service, cooperation and hard work,” Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina said.
“Together, Government, Parliament, the civil service and the people of Sint Maarten can continue building a country that is stronger, fairer and more resilient
