SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Referencing Wednesday’s parliamentary meeting on the draft law amending the General National Ordinance on Taxes, Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Wescot-Williams reiterated the position she recently communicated to the Minister of Finance. 

In a letter to the Minister, the MP welcomed the government’s initial work on tax reform while cautioning that meaningful reform cannot succeed if it is built on an already broken foundation.

In the letter, the MP acknowledged the technical efforts of the Ministry of Finance and the civil service, but stressed that introducing new tax policies on top of existing structural weaknesses will not deliver lasting results.

“We cannot simply build anew on a broken foundation,” the MP stated in her recent letter. “If we want a fair and effective tax system, we must first clean house—address existing inefficiencies, outdated practices, and gaps in compliance—before layering on new rules and expectations.”

The MP emphasized that true tax reform must go beyond internal technical exercises and actively involve the business community, civil society, and independent financial and economic experts. According to the MP, these perspectives are critical to identifying what is not working in the current system and to restoring public confidence.

While recognizing the importance of safeguarding government revenues, the MP cautioned against an approach that prioritizes revenue neutrality at the expense of fairness, simplicity, and economic growth. She argued that tax reform must be grounded in Sint Maarten’s current realities, including a large informal economy, limited administrative capacity, and widespread distrust between taxpayers and the tax authority.

The MP reiterated her previous call for a national “get-your-CRIB-number” campaign, encouraging individuals and businesses to register within the tax system through low thresholds, simplified procedures, and taxpayer education. She noted that expanding the tax base requires trust-building measures and a clear signal that government is prepared to reset the system fairly.

In this context, the MP urged the government to consider “clean house” measures as a first phase of reform, including compliance amnesties, data cleanup, modernization of registries, and the removal of obsolete or contradictory tax provisions. Such steps, she stated, would create a stable foundation upon which sustainable reform can be built.

The MP also outlined a broader policy vision for the reform process, including:

• Evidence-based and transparent policymaking, supported by public data and economic impact assessments;
• Inclusive stakeholder engagement through structured consultations and advisory bodies;
• Simplification and digitalization of tax administration, with targeted support for small and medium-sized enterprises; and
• Phased implementation with independent monitoring, clear performance indicators, and regular public reporting.

“Tax reform must inspire confidence,” the MP concluded. “Cleaning house first is not about lowering standards; it is about creating a system that people believe in, understand, and are willing to comply with.”

During Wednesday’s parliamentary meeting on the draft law amending the General National Ordinance on Taxes, the MP also floated the idea of a Tax Compliance Pact with the people of Sint Maarten as a means of rebuilding the relationship between government and taxpayers. She noted that such a pact would strengthen the incremental efforts already being undertaken by the Minister in the area of tax collection.

“We have to do this together. In fact, every lasting endeavor of the government hinges on collaboration with all social partners.”

The MP expressed her readiness to engage constructively with the Minister of Finance and all stakeholders to help deliver a fair, credible, and effective tax system for the people of Sint Maarten.

CURACAO (WILLEMSTAD) - The Social and Economic Council (SER) of Curaçao played a prominent role last week at a major gathering of economic and social advisory institutions in Thessaloniki, in the Greek province of Macedonia, strengthening international cooperation on issues of social justice and economic transition.

The event, hosted by the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (AICESIS), drew representatives from across the globe to discuss a new agenda aimed at guiding policy in an era of deep geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

As the immediate past chair of this global network of socio-economic advisory councils, the SER was not only officially present; a specialized technical delegation participated in key discussions on just transition and global social justice, the two central themes selected by the Greek leadership of AICESIS for its 2025–2027 term.

The meeting took place at a time when international cooperation faces significant strain. Escalating geopolitical tensions, competing national priorities and rising fragmentation in how countries approach shared challenges have made collective policymaking more difficult. Still, analysts argue that international dialogue remains indispensable to address cross-border issues such as climate change, conflict and widening economic inequality — all topics that featured prominently in the Thessaloniki program.

The Greek AICESIS agenda builds on the work initiated under Curaçao’s leadership, linking economic progress with inclusive social outcomes. In policy documents guiding the new work plan; just transition is defined as a shift toward sustainable, equitable and digitally enabled economies — a process where social dialogue plays a central role in ensuring that no group or region is left behind.

Discussions in Thessaloniki were grounded in policy realities rather than abstract theory. Delegates from economic and social councils worldwide examined tools for knowledge exchange, institutional capacity-building and coordinated recommendations for international policymakers. Participants consistently highlighted that effective global responses depend on structured dialogue, evidence-based insights and consensus across diverse societal stakeholders.

Representing the SER of Curaçao, an official technical team — acting on behalf of its chair — made significant contributions to the development of a set of planning tools intended for use in the coming months. These instruments are designed to systematically compare the experiences of economic and social councils around the world and support a shared foundation for international policy dialogue. The initiative aligns with AICESIS’s broader mission to strengthen the institutional foundations of social dialogue globally.

“This meeting confirms that social dialogue is not a theoretical ideal, but an essential instrument for making global transitions fair,” said Raúl Henriquez, director and secretary-general of the SER of Curaçao. “As a small society, we contribute through AICESIS to the development of practical tools and policy insights that can help not only Europe, but Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America build inclusive and sustainable economies. At a time when multilateral cooperation is under pressure, this conference shows that genuine progress comes from partnership, exchange and collective action.”

On the sidelines of the Thessaloniki gathering, participants also discussed AICESIS’s future role in major international forums. These include the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, where AICESIS plans to coordinate its contributions around a shared agenda focused on social justice — an agenda that resonates with both European and global sustainability goals.

For the SER of Curaçao, the Thessaloniki conference reinforced that social justice and transition management are not merely academic issues, but practical frameworks for policy cooperation that cut across regions and continents — goals that were central to Curaçao’s own leadership of AICESIS.

SINT EUSTATIUS (ORANJESTAD) - The Region Deal has taken a major step forward with the restoration of the historic Madam Theatre. The project officially begins today 5 February 2026, with the start of the demolition phase on the site of this cultural landmark.

This work is a central part of the Region Deal programme to support local heritage and social development. Island Commissioner Rechelline Leerdam was present to mark the start of the project.

She was joined by Region Deal Programme Manager Nicole Asin to oversee the demolition phase, whilst fellow Programme Manager Raimie Richardson was off island on official duties.

The Region Deal programme also shaped the final plan for this project through earlier community consultations, where residents shared their comments and suggestions.

The local contractor Canwood Enterprise N.V is now clearing the site to prepare for construction. Following this phase, the project will move to the fabrication of the new structural steel frame.

Thinking Steel International BV has been selected to design and install these parts. Their structures are built to withstand the harsh Caribbean climate, including salt air and heavy storms. A target has been set for installation of the steel structure for July 2026.

Independent Consulting Engineers (ICE BV) will complete a soil investigation on this month to guide the foundation design. Once the foundation plan is finalised, contractors who meet the profile will be selected to begin the main construction.

The Region Deal aims to finish the outer shell of Madam Theatre by the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2026. This phased approach ensures that the new building meets modern standards.

The project supports the broader goals of the Island by strengthening cultural life and creating a vibrant home for arts and community events for years to come.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Day Three of the Strategic Economic Stakeholder Consultation Workshop shifted the national conversation into deeper and more candid territory as government leaders and stakeholders gathered to examine policy alignment through an economic, social, and labour lens.

Described by participants as “not the most glamorous topic — but certainly one of the most necessary,” the morning session brought together keynote presentations that challenged traditional thinking and pushed for greater synchronization across sectors.

Reading Beyond Ourselves: Policy in Perspective

Opening the session, Senior Policy Advisor Jessica Rogers delivered a presentation centered on economic realities, policy modernization, and the need for cross-sector synchronization. Rogers emphasized that Sint Maarten does not suffer from a lack of ideas or initiatives, but rather from fragmentation, noting that progress slows when policies operate in silos instead of moving in alignment.

Her presentation highlighted that stakeholders must learn to read beyond themselves, engaging with policies even when they do not directly relate to their sector or personal interests. From TEATT’s perspective, the Ministry’s role is to examine dilemmas, challenges, and successes holistically, ensuring that economic growth, infrastructure planning, tourism development, and social realities move in the same direction.

Referencing current policy priorities, Rogers outlined why certain policies require modernization, including energy strategy, transportation frameworks, and investment diversification initiatives, stressing that conversations taking place this week are critical to updating policies for today’s realities. She reinforced that Sint Maarten’s economic pressures, ranging from infrastructure strain to housing and carrying-capacity challenges, require coordinated action rather than isolated decision-making. Final Presentation - Stakeholde…

Development and Its Social Footprint

Following the economic policy discussion, Acting Department Head of Social Development Sharilyn Bryson presented a historical and social perspective, tracing Sint Maarten’s journey from the early 1900s to today. Her presentation illustrated how decades of development, migration, tourism expansion, and external shocks have shaped the island’s social wellbeing over time.

Bryson highlighted that while development has brought opportunity, it has also introduced complex social challenges, including an ageing population, rising cost of living, housing pressures, and evolving health concerns. Participants were reminded that economic advancement cannot be viewed in isolation from social realities, as every stage of growth leaves an imprint on communities and national wellbeing.

Her message underscored the importance of acknowledging historical trends when crafting future policy, encouraging stakeholders to consider the long-term social implications of economic decisions.

Labour Realities: “The Time for the People Is Now”

Closing the keynote segment, Division Head of Labor Affairs and Social Services Peggy Ann-Dros delivered a direct and unfiltered presentation on labour market realities, emphasizing that while data is widely available, the real challenge lies in how it is interpreted and applied.

Ann-Dros spoke candidly about recurring policy cycles, noting that terms such as resilience, strategic, and collaboration have been used repeatedly over the years without always producing tangible change. Her presentation addressed the realities faced by the labour department, including instances where employment permit applications were denied due to qualified local candidates being available, yet recruitment practices favored foreign hires, a phenomenon she described as ethnic recruitment.

She further highlighted the legal and policy gaps that sometimes complicate decision-making, explaining that in certain cases, court rulings have upheld outcomes that expose weaknesses in existing policy frameworks. The presentation emphasized that balancing local protection, cultural dynamics, and investment remains one of Sint Maarten’s most pressing labour dilemmas, requiring decisive reform and stronger alignment between data, policy, and enforcement.

A Unified Message Despite Different Styles

Although each speaker approached the discussion from a different angle, economic policy, social development, and labour market reform, a common thread emerged throughout the morning session: Sint Maarten’s challenges are interconnected, and solutions must reflect a holistic national approach.

The session reinforced the workshop’s overarching theme, “Addressing Sint Maarten’s Crossroads; Charting a New Way Forward,” highlighting that meaningful progress will require honest dialogue, synchronized policies, and a willingness to confront difficult realities.

The Strategic Economic Stakeholder Consultation Workshop continues throughout the week at the Belair Community Center, bringing together government, private sector, and community voices to help shape the country’s forthcoming Strategic Economic Development Plan.