Mercelina presents 15% increase in General Affairs budget for 2027

GREAT BAY--Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina announced that the Ministry of General Affairs' budget will increase from approximately Cg 82 million in 2026 to Cg 95 million in 2027, representing an increase of roughly 15 percent. The additional allocation is intended to address longstanding operational weaknesses, strengthen government departments, improve public services and ensure that essential operating expenses are more accurately reflected in the national budget.

Presenting the Ministry's draft 2027 budget to Parliament on Tuesday, Mercelina outlined progress in several departments that have faced staffing shortages, administrative backlogs, inadequate systems and years of deferred maintenance. He emphasized that investments approved in the 2026 budget are beginning to produce measurable improvements, although significant challenges remain.

A major component of the 2027 increase concerns the more realistic budgeting of government operating expenses, particularly communications, electricity and water. According to the Prime Minister, actual expenditures in these categories have consistently exceeded budgeted amounts, creating a recurring mismatch between approved allocations and government's financial obligations.

For 2027, the communications budget will increase by 72 percent, while the allocation for electricity and water will increase by 161 percent. Mercelina explained that these adjustments are intended to reflect actual expenditure patterns and inflation rather than simply expand government operations.

The Prime Minister also highlighted progress within Facility Affairs and Asset Management, where years of insufficient staffing and maintenance have affected the management of government property.

Government manages an estimated US $100 million in real estate, pays more than US $1 million annually in rent and maintains an insured inventory valued at approximately US $60 million, with annual insurance expenses of around US $500,000.

Despite these substantial responsibilities, the department previously lacked dedicated maintenance personnel and adequate procurement, contract management and insurance expertise.

Through support from the Temporary Work Organization (TWO), two project managers have been engaged to improve oversight and address longstanding deficiencies. A third local project manager recently joined the team to focus on financial and administrative backlogs and procurement.

The department expects to clear most of its outstanding administrative backlog by the second quarter of 2027.

A small maintenance team has also been established, resulting in improvements at the Government Administration Building. Regular elevator maintenance has resumed, steps have been initiated toward international safety certification, and more than 300 lights have been replaced. Other longstanding issues involving bathrooms, security systems and air conditioning are also being addressed.

Strengthening Personnel and Legal Affairs

The Prime Minister reported improvements within the Department of Personnel and Organization (P&O), including progress in reducing the backlog of jubilee payments owed to public servants. The number of outstanding cases has been reduced to 44.

Government is also strengthening recruitment capacity through the engagement of a recruitment specialist, the appointment of a new local P&O section head and preparations to engage an external recruitment agency to assist with government-wide vacancies.

Legal Affairs is receiving additional support through the engagement of three external legislative lawyers on a part-time basis. A separate agreement with TWO will establish an external legal support pool to provide additional expertise for legislative drafting and review.

The measures are expected to reduce delays in the preparation of legislation, strengthen legal advice across government and improve the Ministry's ability to process critical matters.

Public Services and Disaster Preparedness

Mercelina also recognized the efforts of Civil Registry and Public Service Center employees who have worked additional hours to accommodate growing demand for government services.

During 2026, special walk-in service days organized by Civil Registry assisted more than 4,300 people, providing additional access for residents who had difficulty obtaining appointments during normal operating hours.

Service hours at the Public Service Center have also been extended following the recruitment of two additional receptionists.

Disaster management and crisis preparedness will remain another priority for 2027, with the Fire Department receiving a budget increase of approximately 16 percent.

The Prime Minister confirmed that critical firefighting equipment has been ordered, with delivery expected during the first quarter of 2027. Preparations for a benchmark study have also commenced as government continues efforts to address staffing, equipment and operational challenges affecting the department.

Three Strategic Priorities for 2027

The Ministry of General Affairs will focus on three principal areas in the coming year: strengthening government capacity, advancing national development and strategic partnerships, and improving disaster management and crisis response.

Capacity development will include continued support for P&O, Legal Affairs, Facility Affairs, ICT and government modernization, including the implementation of a digital human resource management system.

The Ministry will also continue working with the Netherlands and TWO on reforms under the Country Package. Government has submitted a proposed two-year extension of the cooperation arrangements to Parliament for approval.

Mercelina emphasized that improving the effectiveness of government requires sustained investments in personnel, systems, institutional capacity and public service delivery.

While acknowledging that significant work remains, the Prime Minister indicated that the focus for 2027 will be on consolidating improvements already achieved and ensuring that progress continues beyond a single budget year.

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