Council of ministers unanimously approves milestone 2027 draft national budget

The Sint Maarten Council of Ministers unanimously approved the 2027 Draft National Budget on Thursday, June 25, 2026, in Philipsburg. This decision is considered a historic milestone, potentially enabling Sint Maarten to have an approved national budget before year-end for the first time. The Minister of Finance stated the 2027 budget is expected to complete its constitutional process within the prescribed timeframe. This approval results from months of preparation and collaborative efforts across government, aiming to fundamentally change budget preparation and address a longstanding pattern of delayed budgets. Minister Marinka Gumbs had previously emphasized the need to end such delays. Several steps remain before the budget's final ratification.