De Weever warns Finance and TEATT must work together on economic policy

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Ludmila de Weever has called for a fundamental review of how economic development responsibilities are organized within government, arguing that separating economic policy from fiscal policy continues to create unnecessary conflicts and delays in implementing measures needed to strengthen St. Maarten's economy. She also raised concerns about aggressive tax collection practices affecting seniors and the difficulties downtown businesses are experiencing despite the arrival of cruise visitors.

Speaking during Wednesday's continuation of the 2027 national budget debate, De Weever drew on her experience as former Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), explaining that the division of responsibilities between the Ministries of TEATT and Finance can become an obstacle when government attempts to introduce economic reforms.

She recalled disagreements during her tenure with the then Minister of Finance over proposals involving tax measures intended to support economic recovery.

According to De Weever, the experience demonstrated that economic development and fiscal policy must be closely coordinated because measures designed to stimulate investment, encourage business activity and generate government revenue are directly connected.

The MP suggested that government reconsider whether the economic development function should remain within TEATT, particularly when proposals involving taxation and financial incentives ultimately require the involvement and approval of the Ministry of Finance.

She emphasized that tourism, aviation, maritime affairs and licensing could remain within TEATT, while the broader economic development responsibility should be reconsidered to improve coordination.

De Weever called on the Council of Ministers and her parliamentary colleagues to seriously examine whether legislative changes could create a more effective structure.

Raises Concern About Tax Collection Against Seniors

The MP also highlighted the financial difficulties being experienced by elderly residents, questioning whether government is doing enough to protect vulnerable individuals during tax collection and enforcement procedures.

She shared a message received from a resident concerning a senior whose bank accounts were reportedly blocked because of outstanding taxes.

According to the account presented in Parliament, the individual had attempted to make arrangements to settle the outstanding obligation, including offering a substantial initial payment, but subsequently found that access to her accounts remained restricted.

De Weever questioned whether the tax administration could legally block all of a person's bank accounts without leaving sufficient funds for food, utilities and other basic necessities, including access to old-age pension income.

She emphasized that the incident reflected a broader concern she regularly hears from residents, particularly seniors who are struggling financially and may be reluctant to speak publicly about their circumstances.

The MP urged the Minister of Finance to reconsider the manner in which government collects revenue from individuals who are already experiencing financial hardship.

She argued that the country must broaden its approach to taxation rather than continuing to rely heavily on the same individuals and businesses.

Downtown Businesses Struggling Despite Cruise Arrivals

De Weever also raised concerns about the distribution of tourism activity and its impact on businesses in Philipsburg.

She shared a message received from a business operator who complained that the cruise tourism season had begun and ships were arriving, yet businesses along sections of the Boardwalk continued to experience slow activity.

The business operator alleged that water taxis were transporting substantial numbers of visitors toward the Sea Palace area while restaurants and other establishments along nearby sections of the Boardwalk were receiving limited customer traffic.

De Weever said the complaint illustrated a broader problem facing the country's economy, where the presence of visitors does not necessarily translate into sufficient business for all local operators.

She questioned whether government is adequately examining how tourism activity is distributed and whether more should be done to ensure that businesses across the island benefit from visitor arrivals.

The MP stressed that small businesses continue to face operating expenses regardless of whether tourism revenue reaches them.

Ministries Must Work Together

De Weever linked the concerns of residents and businesses to what she described as the need for stronger cooperation among government ministers.

She cautioned against a situation in which the Ministry of TEATT develops economic proposals without sufficient collaboration with Finance, resulting in disagreements over taxation, implementation and policy responsibilities.

The MP noted that the renewed discussions surrounding a financial transaction tax demonstrate why economic and fiscal policy must be developed together, with proper consideration of how proposed measures would affect businesses, consumers and government revenue.

She maintained that tax measures cannot be considered separately from the broader economic conditions they are intended to influence.

De Weever urged ministers to move beyond disagreements over departmental responsibilities and focus on solutions that support business development, protect vulnerable residents and strengthen the country's economy.

She indicated that she would reserve additional questions for the second round of the budget debate but encouraged government to examine the present division of responsibilities before more time is lost on policy disagreements and delayed implementation.

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