The Social Economic Council (SER) proudly marks a significant milestone as it resumes its advisory role following a prolonged period of inactivity. On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the SER submitted two solicited advisory reports to the Government of Sint Maarten, reinforcing its commitment to supporting national policy development.
The first advisory report was submitted to the Honorable Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic, and Telecommunication, Mrs. Grisha Heyliger-Marten. This solicited advice pertains to the National decree containing general measures for the implementation of articles 5 (second paragraph), 19, 20, 21, 23, and 26 (second paragraph) regarding the adjustments in bus tariffs for the draft National Decree on public transportation. The second advisory report was submitted to the Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport, Melissa Gumbs. This advice focuses on the Early Childhood Development (ECD) funding mechanism, a critical initiative aimed at enhancing early education and child welfare on the island.
With these submissions, the SER remains on track to address its backlog dating back to 2023. Currently, three solicited advisory reports are awaiting approval by the Board:
1. Introduction of Visitor’s Tax on Sint Maarten a solicited advice request from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor.
2. The Sustainable Affordable Access to Healthcare Act (SAAH). Formerly known as the National Health Insurance (NHI), this solicited advice was requested by the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor.
3. The amendment of the Civil Code, Book 7, Title 10 addressing temporary employment contracts and employment status, also requested by the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor.
In addition to the three solicited advice request, the SER is also working on a solicited advice request from Parliament an initiative National Ordinance on Foreign Labor from Member of Parliament, Omar E.C. Ottley. The advice request from Parliament will be finalized after the SER has completed its backlog. The Chairman of the SER, Harlec Doran expressed his gratitude to the Board, management, and staff for their dedication and teamwork. Despite various obstacles that impacted and delayed the SER’s advisory role and, by extension, Sint Maarten’s socio-economic development, Chairman Doran reaffirmed the SER’s commitment to the country and to the pivotal role the advisory body plays in the legislation trajectory of government and by extension Parliament. As the SER continues to fulfill its mandate, it remains steadfast in providing sound, researched and data-based advice that contributes to the sustainable development of the population of Sint Maarten.