York questions 2027 budget plans, road funding and hospital readiness

MP Darryl York questioned the government’s priorities during the continuation of Parliament’s 2027 national budget debate on Wednesday 4 November. York asked ministers for implementation plans and timelines on electricity and gasoline costs, pensioner tax relief, road repairs, school maintenance and public services.

York also asked whether the 2027 budget addresses concerns raised when the Committee for Financial Supervision did not issue positive advice on the 2026 capital investment loan request. He asked the Minister of Finance to explain each concern and the corrective measures taken before the budget was submitted.

On road repairs, York asked how much funding will be available on 1 January 2027, referring to public figures of about ANG 5 million and ANG 9 million. He said road quality depends on the specifications and materials government pays for, adding: “We get what we pay for.”

York asked VROMI when road markings on Cole Bay Hill would be corrected and the Justice Minister when surveillance cameras would be installed. He also questioned oversight and liability arrangements for a proposed public-private partnership involving bridge and canal repairs in Sucker Garden.

York requested that the Minister of VSA provide Parliament with an operational-readiness assessment for the new St. Maarten General Hospital. He asked which departments and services would be operating when the hospital opens, and raised questions about staffing, equipment, licensing, financing and any additional financing requested by the contractor.