Marinka Gumbs launches “Finance Friday with Minister of Finance” this week

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (October, 2024)—Starting Friday, November 1, 2024, Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs will hold public meetings at her office to discuss financial matters directly with community members. The weekly meetings, dubbed “Finance Friday with Minister of Finance” will be open to the public to walk in from 9 am to 12 noon. “I want to engage directly with the residents of our island and to discuss their issues and get feedback from them on how to better establish policies that affect their daily lives,” said Minister Marinka Gumbs. “I see accountability as more than a buzz word in terms of governance; and that to be truly accountable to the people, I must be able to hear directly from them,” said the Minister. “I may not be able to solve all their issues, but at least, I may be able to offer advice on how to seek a solution.” According to the Finance Minister, communication is best with the people when it is direct and unfiltered. “The people have more than a right to know; they have a right to be heard directly and to be assisted whenever and wherever possible, by the people they put in office to serve them.” “Finance Fridays with Minister of Finance” is part of an overall consultation strategy aimed at improving how policies and laws are designed and implemented for the benefit of the ordinary man or woman. “Our people are hardworking, and I expect they will have numerous questions about taxes. I will do my best to answer their queries to the best of my ability and assist wherever possible,” said Minister Gumbs.