The Council of Ministers has unanimously approved Sint Maarten's draft 2027 National Budget, marking what Government says is a historic step toward approving a national budget before the end of the year for the first time since the country achieved constitutional status.
Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs says the achievement follows months of planning, cross-government collaboration, and a new policy-based budgeting approach that links government spending directly to measurable policy goals instead of simply tracking expenditures.
Meanwhile, during the presentation of the 2026 Budget to Parliament, the Minister announced that Government is projecting an 11 million Caribbean guilder surplus. Total revenue is expected to reach 647 million guilders, while projected spending stands at 636 million.
Government says stronger tax collections, improved compliance, and project funding are driving the increase in revenue, while spending continues to focus on key priorities such as education, justice, healthcare, and public services.
Officials say the new budgeting system is designed to improve transparency, accountability, and long-term financial planning, with projected budget surpluses continuing through 2029 if current forecasts are maintained.