WILLEMSTAD, PHILIPSBURG – St. Maarten intends to determine its own future within the monetary union it shares with Curaçao, according to statements by the island’s Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs during a parliamentary committee meeting.
Gumbs emphasized that St. Maarten will independently decide how it proceeds within the monetary cooperation between the two countries. She said any decision regarding the future of the union must be based on legal analysis, economic stability and the interests of the people of St. Maarten.
Her remarks follow earlier comments by Curaçao’s Minister of Finance Charles Cooper, who reportedly suggested that the two countries might consider separating more quickly within the monetary arrangement.
The monetary union between the two countries is administered by the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS), which oversees monetary policy and the shared currency used in both territories. The bank manages the Caribbean guilder, the common currency introduced in 2025 to replace the Netherlands Antillean guilder.
Gumbs stressed that St. Maarten should not be viewed as subordinate within the partnership. “St. Maarten is an autonomous country within the Kingdom and an equal partner in this union,” she said, adding that cooperation between the two countries must be grounded in mutual respect.
The minister also warned that public comments about possible separation cannot be ignored. According to her, discussions about the future of the monetary union must be handled carefully and strategically to protect financial stability.
At the same time, she urged unity between the government and Parliament in St. Maarten when addressing economic and financial matters, noting that a coordinated position strengthens the country’s negotiating power in discussions with Curaçao.
While acknowledging that the monetary union has historically served practical purposes for both countries, Gumbs indicated that any future changes would require careful assessment rather than emotional or politically driven decisions.
The debate comes amid broader discussions between Curaçao and St. Maarten regarding governance and leadership issues at the central bank, highlighting growing tensions over the management of one of the most important shared institutions within the Kingdom.