GREAT BAY--Minister of Finance Marinka J. Gumbs reflected on an important chapter in her own professional career as she delivered a farewell address marking the retirement of Paul van Vliet after 38 years of service to the profession and business community of St. Maarten.
The occasion held special significance for Gumbs, who spent 16 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, now Grant Thornton, before entering public service. Her years at the firm, she said, played a major role in shaping the professional standards and values she continues to carry with her as Minister of Finance.
Standing alongside van Vliet and Herbert Beldman at the event brought together three people connected to a formative period in her professional life.
When Beldman asked her to deliver the farewell address for van Vliet, Gumbs said there was little hesitation.
“I knew I could never tell Herbert no,” Minister Gumbs said.
Reflecting on her years at the firm and the impact they had on her career, Gumbs said:
“This is where the foundation was laid and the pillars were planted for the position I hold today.”
She expressed gratitude to the professionals who invested in her development during her 16 years with the firm, including Cees Rokx, Sherienne Virginia, the late Victoria Valies, Herbert Beldman and Paul van Vliet.
Their guidance, she said, contributed to the development of her technical knowledge, discipline, integrity, critical thinking and professional standards.
Gumbs also recalled how her journey to PwC began, including an occasion when her mother approached the late Roy Marlin to put in a good word for her after she was invited for a second interview.
“I wanted that opportunity because of Marinka Gumbs, not because someone had recommended me,” she recalled.
Years later, she said experience gave her a different understanding of the role recommendations can play in creating opportunities, while emphasizing that what happens afterward ultimately depends on the individual.
“A recommendation may open a door, but it is your character, competence and work ethic that determine whether you remain in the room.”
Reflecting on van Vliet’s 38 years of service, Gumbs described him as a cornerstone of the profession and a mentor whose standards and commitment to excellence influenced generations of professionals.
“Paul, you were one of my mentors, whether you realized it or not. The standards you upheld continue to guide me in public service today.”
For Gumbs, the retirement farewell was also an opportunity to recognize the people and experiences that helped shape her own path from the private sector into public service.
“The foundation was laid here. The pillars were planted here. And I remain deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to that journey.”
Gumbs congratulated van Vliet on his retirement and wished him health, happiness, peace and continued blessings as he begins the next chapter of his life.
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