Minister Brug Executes Governing Program commitments in social development and labor during first year

During his first year in office, Minister Richinel Brug, together with the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor (VSA), focused on executing the Governing Program’s commitments across the four pillars: Public Health, Social Development, Labor, and VSA Personnel & Organization. Priority actions were delivered across social development and labor, with special emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups -in particularly our elderly community-, strengthening the local workforce, and promoting awareness of labor laws and obligations.

Strengthening social development through engagement, dignity and support

As part of strengthening community engagement and evidence-based policymaking, the Ministry conducted a complete round of focus-group discussions with public and private stakeholders. These sessions highlighted trust gaps, coordination challenges, and the importance of culturally appropriate engagement strategies. The feedback led directly to the design of a new adaptive engagement framework, now being piloted through the homelessness initiative.

Support for vulnerable households (GEBE Relief Program)

Effective December 1st, 2025, Minister Brug initiated a targeted GEBE relief program to assist vulnerable households with rising utility costs. The program provides up to XCG 250 per month in support through vouchers issued to eligible beneficiaries, reducing electricity expenses and providing direct cost-of-living relief.

Poverty line review

In line with strengthening evidence-based social policymaking, Minister Brug formally requested the Social Economic Council (SER) to establish an updated poverty line for Sint Maarten based on the most recent statistical data. This update will serve as a critical benchmark to guide social programs and income-support policies. The Ministry hopes to receive this review early 2026. 

Funeral assistance

Minister Brug also submitted a request to the SER for advice on a draft national decree aimed at increasing funeral assistance to a maximum of XCG 9,000.00. This proposed amendment stems directly from a motion introduced in Parliament, during the October 2024 budget debate. The call for increased funeral assistance is particularly significant given the rising costs associated with burial services and the ongoing increase in the cost of living.

Tackling homelessness

The Ministry partnered with the Leaders for Change Foundation on a six-month homelessness project, distributing meals and hygiene kits to more than 100 individuals while collecting data to guide future policy and promote pathways toward self-reliance.

Drafting of the Early Childhood Quality Committee

The re-composition of the Early Childhood Quality Committee

• The National decree on the re-composition of the Early Childhood Quality Committee has been agreed upon between the department of Social Development and the department of Youth (ECYS).

o Currently: The Lbham is signed off by the departments of Social Development, Youth, and the SG of VSA. It is currently awaiting the signature of SG EYCS to be completed.

• A series of four key changes has been proposed to the National decree to strengthen the governance, expertise, and quality assurance structure of childcare in Sint Maarten. These adjustments refine the composition of the Childcare Quality Committee, clarify the roles of supporting policy departments, and formalize the contributions of external partners.

Restoring dignity and respect for seniors — A core priority

One of Minister Brug’s central priorities in 2025 was restoring dignity, visibility, and respect for seniors. While Minister Brug acknowledges that much work remains, he affirms his commitment to building a more age-friendly Sint Maarten through continued reform, stronger services, and expanded support systems.

 

Key achievements for the elderly 

1. Launch of the senior food assistance pilot program

In partnership with the Freegan Food Foundation, Minister Brug introduced a new, dignity-centered food assistance program for vulnerable seniors.

Key features include:

• A supermarket-style “shopping experience” where seniors choose their own groceries

• A small fixed fee to preserve dignity and independence

• Nutritional guidance and budgeting support

• Initial participation of 60 senior households, expanding to 100 based on need

Minister Brug emphasized:

“It’s about recognizing the value of our elderly and ensuring they are treated with respect, dignity, and care.”

 

2. Ageing-With-Dignity Conference & National Framework Development

In September 2025, the Ministry of VSA hosted the Ageing With Dignity Conference, bringing together seniors, NGOs, policymakers, health professionals, and regional partners.

The conference highlighted findings from a PAHO-supported Baseline Study covering:

• Social perceptions of ageing

• Community support structures

• Access to long-term care

• Health system responsiveness for the elderly

Based on these findings, the Ministry is developing an Ageing Framework / National Roadmap to strengthen long-term care, senior engagement, social protection, and health access. A key outcome includes plans to re-establish the Council for the Elderly, ensuring seniors have a direct voice in policy decisions.

 

Increase in Old-Age pension (AOV)

The Old-Age Pension (AOV) was increased as of January 1, 2025: Maximum benefit increased from XCG 1,338 to XCG 1,398.

Minister Brug acknowledges the ongoing challenges seniors face with the rising cost of living and reaffirms his commitment to work across ministries to address cost-of-living pressures.

 

International Day of the Elderly – celebration & recognition

For the 2025 observance of the International Day of the Elderly, the Ministry introduced a revitalized celebration that included:

• A senior-centered dinner at Emilio’s Restaurant

• Participation of approximately 200 guests, mostly seniors

• Honoring Sint Maarten’s centenarians

This event highlighted the contributions of older persons and reinforces the Ministry’s commitment to an inclusive and respectful approach to ageing.

 

Designated parking spaces for seniors

To improve accessibility, the Ministry announced dedicated senior parking spaces at the APS Parking Lot across from the Government Administration Building. This practical step forms part of the broader "Ageing With Dignity" approach to improve physical access for older adults visiting government services.

Reopening of SZV to the elderly

Other key initiatives include the instruction to reopen in-person SZV services for the elderly as of January 2026.

Seniors identified as a priority group in VSA’s signature projects

As outlined in Minister Brug’s 2025 Signature Projects, seniors are explicitly recognized as a priority group, with targeted actions to:

• Strengthen support to vulnerable older adults

• Modernize outdated legislation related to social protection

• Improve access to health and social care services

• Enhance community engagement and independence for seniors

This aligns directly with the Governing Program’s mandate to improve quality of life for the elderly through modern, activated, and community-centered public services.

 

“This first year was about laying the foundation—strengthening dignity, expanding support, and giving seniors a greater voice in national policy. I know there is still much to be done. Moving forward, we will accelerate reforms, enhance senior programs, and implement the Ageing Framework to ensure that every older person in Sint Maarten can age with dignity, independence, and respect.”

Strengthened the local labor market

During his first year in office, Minister Brug also prioritized protecting the local workforce while attempting to improve working conditions and strengthening labor compliance.

Updated Minimum Wage

In accordance with existing legislation, Minister Brug approved the increase of the statutory minimum hourly wage to XCG 10.93, directly improving earnings for low-wage workers and supporting household income stability.

Labor education and awareness

To strengthen knowledge of labor rights and employer obligations, the Ministry organized multiple labor symposiums. These sessions aimed to improve understanding of labor laws, promote best practices, and strengthen compliance by both employers and employees.

Protection of the local labor market through NRPB projects

Despite repeated advisories that NRPB contract terms could not be changed once awarded to protect the local labor market, Minister Brug persisted in lobbying with both the NRPB and the World Bank to strengthen local labor participation. As a result, NRPB project contracts were adjusted to require that at least 30% of work be subcontracted to local companies, ensuring that public investments create opportunities for local contractors and workers while stimulating the local economy.

Labor permit reform

A draft amendment to the National Decree containing general measures regarding Labor Permit fees was prepared, including increased fees and charges for expedited permits. These changes are designed to protect the local labor market while generating additional revenue for the public treasury. The draft was presented to the Tripartite Council earlier this year and submitted to the SER on December 2nd. 

Collaboration with SZV

The Ministry worked closely with SZV to improve employer awareness regarding mandatory employee registration and contribution requirements. These efforts aim to increase compliance, strengthen protection for workers, and improve the financial  sustainability of the social insurance system.

In 2026, Minister Brug will continue to strengthen the Social Development and Labor pillars by focusing on inclusive policies that improve social welfare and economic opportunity. Central to this effort is the integration of Health in All Policies (HiAP), ensuring that social and labor initiatives also contribute to improved health outcomes. Key priorities include alleviating poverty, enhancing working conditions, expanding protections for vulnerable groups, and initiating discussions on secondary/mandatory pension plan policies and legislation to secure retirement benefits for all workers. The Ministry will also continue community education efforts on labor rights and obligations to ensure broad awareness and compliance.​