Video 1 Part 2 Marinka Gumbs 1st Quarter Financials 2025 Revenues 162 million guilders —15 million guilder surplus
Marinka Gumbs: From Promises to Policy – A Bold Step Toward Fiscal Fairness
Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs opened her June 18th press remarks with optimism backed by results.
https://sxmnews.ai/from-bid-rigging-to-land-stealing-story-of-christopher-emmanuels-crash-out/
St. Martin’s first-quarter financials for 2025 have exceeded expectations. Revenues reached 162 million guilders —
a 15 million guilder surplus — driven by stronger-than-anticipated tax collections.
Simultaneously, expenditures were 19 million guilders below budget, primarily due to reduced personnel costs.
Although spending will increase in Q2 due to vacation allowances and retroactive indexation, Q1 closed with a robust 38 million guilder surplus.
While financial performance shows promise, the Minister emphasized realism. Major financial obligations, including loan repayments, loom in Q3.
Still, this positive start provides critical momentum for meaningful reforms.
Transitioning to policy, Minister Gumbs firmly addressed the ongoing public debate over the new dividend withholding tax.
She made clear that this policy will not burden residents or local businesses. Instead, it ensures that foreign investors contribute fairly to the island’s economy.
Discussions on this measure have taken place since 2022 under the TWO project.
However, as she noted, too many conversations in government stall without resolution. This time, the Ministry chose action.
In addition, the Ministry will formally repeal two outdated and unenforced tax ordinances — the inheritance tax and land tax — in Q3.
Removing these laws will provide legal clarity and improve investor confidence. Minister Gumbs stressed the importance of moving past symbolic discussions and toward substantive reform.
Her goal remains clear: fiscal equity that enables investment in vital sectors like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and mental health.
Turning to social matters, Minister Gumbs highlighted June as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month.
She praised Renee Cotto-Wilson’s moving poem A Man’s Pain, which cast light on the silent emotional struggles many men face.
She also recognized the dedication of the St. Martin Mental Health Foundation and called for open dialogue and empathy.
Ending on a celebratory note, Minister Gumbs congratulated recent graduates and acknowledged several exemplary students.
She encouraged all youth — including those who didn’t succeed this year — to persevere.
Minister Gumbs’ message was clear: now is the time for action, transparency, and compassion.
https://sxmgovernment.com/christophe-emmanuel-broke-joke-angry-at-st-maarten-s/