St. Maarten residents sent more than Cg 106 million abroad in workers’ remittances in 2025

GREAT BAY--Residents of St. Maarten sent more than Cg 106 million abroad in workers’ remittances in 2025, according to figures provided by the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten (CBCS), showing a continued increase in money transferred overseas by residents and workers.

The CBCS data, provided in response to questions from The Peoples' Tribune regarding outbound money transfers from St. Maarten, shows that total workers’ remittances expenditures increased from Cg 75.8 million in 2023 to Cg 92.4 million in 2024, before reaching Cg 106.2 million in 2025.

The figures include money sent abroad through both licensed money transfer companies and commercial banks. In 2025, Cg 52.6 million was sent abroad through money transfer companies, while Cg 53.6 million was transferred through commercial banks.

The increase represents a significant rise over the three-year period, with total workers’ remittances growing by approximately Cg 30.4 million between 2023 and 2025.

The number of outbound transactions has also increased gradually. CBCS recorded 4,608 outbound transactions in 2023, rising to 4,770 in 2024 and 4,867 transactions in 2025.

According to CBCS, workers’ remittances refer to personal transfers sent from resident households in St. Maarten to non-resident households abroad. The figures also include payments made to countries of origin by migrants who are employed and considered residents.

United States Remains Largest Destination

The United States was the largest destination for money sent abroad from St. Maarten during each of the years reviewed.

In 2025, transfers to the United States totaled Cg 44.3 million, followed by Jamaica with Cg 10.4 million, Colombia with Cg 8.3 million, the Dominican Republic with Cg 7.4 million, and China with Cg 3.1 million.

The same pattern was visible in previous years. In 2024, the United States received Cg 35.1 million, followed by Jamaica with Cg 9 million, the Dominican Republic with Cg 7.6 million, Colombia with Cg 5.7 million, and Guyana with Cg 2.7 million.

In 2023, the top destinations were the United States with Cg 18.1 million, Jamaica with Cg 10.8 million, the Dominican Republic with Cg 8.6 million, Colombia with Cg 5.9 million, and China with Cg 3.5 million.

Commercial Banks Included in CBCS Figures

CBCS confirmed that workers’ remittances sent abroad through commercial banks are tracked separately from transfers made through money transfer companies. However, both categories are included when calculating the total amount of money transferred abroad.

The Bank also confirmed that personal transfers made directly through commercial bank accounts are included in the total money transfers abroad rather than recorded separately.

Preliminary 2026 Figures

CBCS indicated that it is currently reviewing first-quarter 2026 data. The available figures remain preliminary and are subject to revision.

According to the preliminary comparison provided by CBCS, workers’ remittances for the first quarter stood at Cg 17.9 million in 2023, Cg 23.9 million in 2024, Cg 26.2 million in 2025, and Cg 25.6 million in the first quarter of 2026.

The preliminary 2026 figure suggests that first-quarter remittance outflows remain close to the levels recorded in 2025, although CBCS noted that the figures are still under review.

The continued increase in outbound remittances highlights the role that St. Maarten plays as a source of financial support for families and communities abroad, while also reflecting the international workforce and household connections linked to the island.

‍