MP Jansen-Webster: Why cut VSA when residents need more help?

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Veronica Jansen-Webster has raised concerns about reductions in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) budget for 2027, particularly allocations for social assistance, while the country continues to grapple with questions surrounding General Health Insurance (GHI), poverty and the rising cost of living.

Speaking during Wednesday's continuation of the 2027 national budget debate, Jansen-Webster questioned how government intends to improve the quality of life of vulnerable residents when the ministry responsible for healthcare and social protection is facing a budget reduction while other ministries are receiving increases.

The MP pointed out that VSA's overall budget has been reduced by approximately 4.6%, making it the only ministry facing a decrease, according to the figures she referenced. She questioned the government's priorities, particularly given the financial pressures being experienced by households across St. Maarten.

Jansen-Webster highlighted the allocation for financial assistance, noting that approximately 8.2 million has been budgeted despite the Minister of VSA indicating that an estimated 10 million may be required. She questioned how the ministry intends to address the anticipated shortfall and ensure that residents who depend on government assistance are not disadvantaged.

She also referenced findings from the country's census indicating that approximately 7% of the population experiences hunger. For the MP, these figures reinforce the need for government spending to reflect the social and economic conditions being experienced by residents.

Jansen-Webster further questioned the budgetary approach given the concerns repeatedly raised by the Committee for Financial Supervision (CFT) regarding GHI and social benefits. She noted that these matters have featured prominently in the CFT's assessment of the country's finances, including its concerns surrounding the 2026 loan request.

The MP emphasized that economic growth should translate into measurable improvements in people's lives. She maintained that government must demonstrate how its financial decisions will improve access to healthcare, strengthen social protection and reduce the burden on vulnerable households.

Concerns About Medical Referrals

Turning to healthcare, Jansen-Webster questioned the time required to process overseas medical referrals through SZV, particularly for patients requiring urgent treatment.

She referenced information provided during earlier parliamentary discussions indicating that some emergency referrals could take approximately 11 days to process, while acute cases could take three days. She asked whether these timelines remain accurate and what measures are being taken to reduce delays.

The MP also raised concerns about patients being sent overseas for serious medical treatment without someone accompanying them. Recalling an encounter with a cancer patient receiving treatment alone in Colombia, she asked how frequently patients travel without assistance and what circumstances justify such arrangements.

She stressed that delays in referrals can have serious consequences, particularly for patients diagnosed with cancer and other conditions requiring timely intervention.

Questions About Budget Execution and Government Spending

Beyond healthcare and social services, Jansen-Webster questioned government's capacity to implement the projects included in the 2027 budget.

She expressed concern about the proposed increase in borrowing from approximately 53 million to 94 million, particularly when questions remain about the implementation and preparation of projects budgeted for 2026.

She requested an accounting from ministers of the projects that have commenced, those still awaiting implementation and the preparatory work already completed for 2027.

The MP also asked each ministry to provide information on vacancies budgeted for 2026, how many positions have been filled and how many additional appointments are expected before the end of the year.

On public finances, Jansen-Webster questioned when the proposed visitor tax legislation will reach Parliament and when government expects to begin collecting revenue. She also sought information on efforts to broaden the tax base, improve supplier payment procedures and finalize the country's outstanding financial statements.

Tourism Growth Must Benefit Residents

Addressing the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), Jansen-Webster welcomed the focus on economic relief and the cost of living but challenged government to ensure that growth in tourism produces direct financial benefits for residents.

She questioned whether the Ministries of TEATT and Finance are exploring measures such as income tax reductions or other forms of relief that would allow households to benefit more directly from the country's tourism performance.

She also encouraged government to examine alternative sources of food imports, particularly within the Caribbean and South America, as part of efforts to improve affordability and food quality.

The MP welcomed renewed attention to the Department of Statistics and emphasized the importance of using census findings to guide government policies, particularly those addressing poverty, demographic changes and social development.

Jansen-Webster's contribution underscored her concern that the success of the 2027 budget should not be measured solely by economic growth, increased government revenue or the number of projects proposed, but by whether residents experience meaningful improvements in their daily lives.

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