Brug launches cost of living study to guide poverty line discussions

GREAT BAY--The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor has launched a new cost of living study in collaboration with the Dutch organization Nibud, as part of Minister Richinel Brug’s efforts to better understand the financial pressures facing households in St. Maarten and to support future discussions on the country’s poverty line.

The study is intended to provide a clearer and more realistic picture of what individuals and families need to live, function and participate in society. It will examine the everyday expenses residents face, including housing and rent, electricity, water, food and groceries, healthcare, childcare, transportation, school-related costs, insurance and other basic needs.

Nibud, a Dutch organization specializing in household finances and budgeting, will assist with the study. The organization has previously conducted similar studies in Aruba, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.

Special attention will be given to vulnerable groups and persons who are already experiencing financial difficulty. According to the Ministry, the information gathered will help government make better policy decisions based on facts, updated data and the real-life situation of people living in St. Maarten.

The initiative is aligned with the Governing Program 2024-2028 and remains one of Minister Brug’s priorities in his wider effort to address poverty and strengthen social protection in St. Maarten. It also connects to the Minister’s 2025 request currently before the Social Economic Council for updated advice on the poverty line, based on the most recent STAT report from the Ministry of TEATT.

The goal is to ensure that future policies and support systems are shaped by current information and the actual financial realities residents are facing today. The Ministry said accurate data is essential to understanding how difficult it is for many households to make ends meet and what level of support may be needed moving forward.

The Ministry is encouraging the public and organizations to cooperate if contacted by the research team. Public participation, the Ministry said, is important to ensure that the study reflects the daily experiences and challenges of people across St. Maarten.

As part of its visit to St. Maarten in June, Nibud will also provide training to local organizations and government departments. The training is aimed at helping professionals better support families and vulnerable groups with budgeting, financial guidance and practical household money management.

‍