Meyers: St. Maarten cannot keep doing the same things and expect better results

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Franklin Meyers has called on government to introduce a development and environmental impact tax, undertake meaningful tax reform and establish new sources of revenue to address St. Maarten's deteriorating roads, garbage collection challenges and mounting infrastructure demands. He warned that the country cannot continue relying on the same financial arrangements while expecting different results.

Speaking during Wednesday's continuation of the 2027 national budget debate, Meyers argued that St. Maarten's infrastructure is carrying the burden of a tourism-driven economy without a corresponding financial mechanism to cover the demands being placed on public services.

The MP pointed to the country's estimated population of 50,000 to 60,000 residents compared to nearly two million visitors annually, questioning how government expects to maintain infrastructure under such conditions without collecting additional revenue from the activities contributing to the demand.

He argued that the financial responsibility for maintaining and expanding infrastructure cannot continue falling primarily on the local population when tourism and private development are generating significant additional demands on roads, utilities, public services and the environment.

Meyers proposed introducing a development and environmental impact tax, explaining that similar mechanisms are used internationally to ensure developers contribute toward the public infrastructure required to support their investments.

Using a hypothetical 100-unit condominium development as an example, he explained that such projects can increase demands for transportation, schools, roads and other public services. While welcoming investment, he maintained that government must also account for the long-term financial implications of development.

Government Must Move From Talking to Implementing

Meyers expressed frustration with what he described as a longstanding pattern of discussing national problems without implementing lasting solutions.

He identified GEBE, garbage collection and deteriorating roads as examples of issues that continue to dominate public discussion without sufficient progress.

"We have become a nation of talkers. We need to become a nation of doers again," Meyers said, calling for a return to a more results-oriented approach to governance.

He emphasized that his criticism was not directed exclusively at the current Council of Ministers, explaining that the pattern has developed over successive administrations.

The MP indicated that he intends to bring a motion concerning GEBE and possible solutions to the challenges facing the utility company. He also suggested that certain approaches could first be tested through smaller pilot projects, including in the Belvedere emergency homes area, before considering broader implementation.

Meyers maintained that government should not be afraid to implement new approaches, evaluate their effectiveness and make adjustments where necessary.

Questions Road Contractors and Quality of Work

Turning to the condition of the road network, Meyers questioned whether sufficient attention is being paid to the quality of work performed by contractors hired by government.

He noted that while ministers are frequently criticized when roads deteriorate, the companies awarded contracts and the materials used in road construction and repairs are rarely subjected to the same level of public scrutiny.

The MP questioned why roads repaired several years earlier continue to experience problems and whether the quality of materials and workmanship is being adequately evaluated.

He also criticized the acceptance of substandard work, pointing to basic examples such as improperly painted road markings as indications of a broader problem with quality control and accountability.

Tax Reform Cannot Remain on the Back Burner

Meyers also urged government to revisit the country's tax system, arguing that businesses are facing mounting financial pressure under arrangements that have remained largely unchanged for years.

He recalled that tax reform was already under discussion during his time as Commissioner of Tourism, yet approximately 16 years later, the country continues to face many of the same challenges.

According to Meyers, the financial pressure placed on businesses has consequences beyond the companies themselves. When operating costs become increasingly difficult to manage, employers may be unable to provide salary increases and additional employee benefits or may eventually be forced to reduce their workforce.

He therefore questioned whether the existing tax structure remains suitable for St. Maarten's economy and called for reforms that would strengthen revenue collection without undermining business activity.

The MP further suggested reviewing vehicle import duties in cooperation with the French side of the island, particularly in light of worsening traffic congestion and the growing number of vehicles using the country's limited road network.

Calls for Comprehensive Financial Plan

Meyers proposed that the Council of Ministers establish a committee or working group to determine the level of financial investment required to address the country's major challenges, including roads, public health, infrastructure and tourism marketing.

He said such an exercise should identify the resources needed to move St. Maarten forward and examine additional revenue opportunities rather than continuing to rely on existing income streams that have proven insufficient.

The MP also emphasized that St. Maarten must remain competitive as a tourism destination, noting that travelers have more international options and that other Caribbean destinations have developed competing tourism products.

He questioned what makes St. Maarten attractive to prospective visitors and urged government to consider how infrastructure, tourism marketing and the overall visitor experience contribute to the country's competitiveness.

While calling for a change in approach, Meyers began his contribution by congratulating Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs on delivering the 2027 budget to Parliament on time, an achievement he described as particularly significant.

However, he stressed that timely presentation of the budget must be accompanied by the political willingness to make difficult financial and policy decisions.

Reflecting on his years in government, Meyers said that sustained political stability had previously allowed major projects to advance from planning to implementation. He acknowledged that today's political environment presents different challenges but maintained that decisions concerning the country's long-term viability cannot continue to be postponed.

His central message to the Council of Ministers was that St. Maarten must strengthen its revenue base, improve accountability and begin implementing solutions to problems that have persisted for years, rather than continuing to revisit the same issues during successive budget debates.

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