USM Alumna and Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs Inspires CFY
November 12, 2026
Minister of Finance and USM alumna Marinka Gumbs returned to her alma mater for an open and highly interactive conversation with CFY students about education, leadership, public service and the future of St. Maarten.
University of St. Martin alumna and Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs recently returned to USM for an engaging conversation with students enrolled in the Caribbean Foundation Year program.
The session took place one day after the students visited Parliament and observed the Minister answering questions during the national budget debate. Their experience in the public tribune created a meaningful connection between the two activities. After watching government in action, the students were able to meet directly with one of the country’s leaders and ask their own questions.
Minister Gumbs opened the session by speaking about November’s Financial Literacy Month and her plans to visit schools throughout St. Maarten. Her outreach encourages young people to understand financial matters while thinking seriously about their education, career choices and responsibilities within society.
She commended the students for choosing to begin their higher education at USM and encouraged them to recognize the importance of establishing a strong academic and personal foundation before studying abroad.
Minister Gumbs explained that leaving the island can be a valuable experience, but students must prepare themselves academically, mentally, physically and financially. Beginning their studies at home allows them to mature within a familiar support system while developing the skills needed to succeed in a different country and culture.
She also reminded the students that studying locally gives them an immediate opportunity to contribute to their country.
“St. Maarten needs you,” she told the students, encouraging those who eventually study abroad to return and use their knowledge and experience to help develop the island.
Rather than delivering a traditional speech, Minister Gumbs invited the students to guide the conversation. She asked what they expected from their government officials and encouraged them to raise their concerns without fear of giving a wrong answer.
The invitation led to one of the most interactive CFY sessions held at USM. Students asked questions and shared their views about education, employment, public transportation, road conditions, taxation, crime, government spending and opportunities for young people.
Minister Gumbs responded candidly, helping the students understand that government decisions often require financial planning, legislation, cooperation between ministries and difficult choices between immediate needs and long-term solutions.
She also discussed the importance of leaders working for the benefit of the country instead of seeking personal recognition.
“I don’t believe in a minister shining. I believe in the country shining,” she said.
The discussion became especially personal when students spoke about their educational experiences and the challenges some young people face within the school system. Minister Gumbs emphasized the power of positive language and the responsibility adults have to encourage children rather than define them by their difficulties.
She reminded the students that different learners may require different forms of support and praised those who showed the courage to speak openly about their experiences.
As a USM alumna, Minister Gumbs’ return to campus carried special meaning. Her journey demonstrates that students can begin their education at home and continue towards positions of national leadership and responsibility.
Her visit also reflected the importance of alumni returning to share their experiences with the next generation. Students gained more than information about government and finance. They encountered a leader who listened to their concerns, challenged their thinking and encouraged them to take their education seriously.
USM thanked Minister Gumbs for investing her time in the students and presented her with a token of appreciation and a USM alumni pin at the end of the session.
The university commends the Minister’s commitment to visiting schools during Financial Literacy Month and creating spaces where young people can ask questions, learn about government and consider their role in the future of St. Maarten.
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The session took place one day after the students visited Parliament and observed the Minister answering questions during the national budget debate. Their experience in the public tribune created a meaningful connection between the two activities. After watching government in action, the students were able to meet directly with one of the country’s leaders and ask their own questions.
Minister Gumbs opened the session by speaking about November’s Financial Literacy Month and her plans to visit schools throughout St. Maarten. Her outreach encourages young people to understand financial matters while thinking seriously about their education, career choices and responsibilities within society.
She commended the students for choosing to begin their higher education at USM and encouraged them to recognize the importance of establishing a strong academic and personal foundation before studying abroad.
Minister Gumbs explained that leaving the island can be a valuable experience, but students must prepare themselves academically, mentally, physically and financially. Beginning their studies at home allows them to mature within a familiar support system while developing the skills needed to succeed in a different country and culture.
She also reminded the students that studying locally gives them an immediate opportunity to contribute to their country.
“St. Maarten needs you,” she told the students, encouraging those who eventually study abroad to return and use their knowledge and experience to help develop the island.
Rather than delivering a traditional speech, Minister Gumbs invited the students to guide the conversation. She asked what they expected from their government officials and encouraged them to raise their concerns without fear of giving a wrong answer.
The invitation led to one of the most interactive CFY sessions held at USM. Students asked questions and shared their views about education, employment, public transportation, road conditions, taxation, crime, government spending and opportunities for young people.
Minister Gumbs responded candidly, helping the students understand that government decisions often require financial planning, legislation, cooperation between ministries and difficult choices between immediate needs and long-term solutions.
She also discussed the importance of leaders working for the benefit of the country instead of seeking personal recognition.
“I don’t believe in a minister shining. I believe in the country shining,” she said.
The discussion became especially personal when students spoke about their educational experiences and the challenges some young people face within the school system. Minister Gumbs emphasized the power of positive language and the responsibility adults have to encourage children rather than define them by their difficulties.
She reminded the students that different learners may require different forms of support and praised those who showed the courage to speak openly about their experiences.
As a USM alumna, Minister Gumbs’ return to campus carried special meaning. Her journey demonstrates that students can begin their education at home and continue towards positions of national leadership and responsibility.
Her visit also reflected the importance of alumni returning to share their experiences with the next generation. Students gained more than information about government and finance. They encountered a leader who listened to their concerns, challenged their thinking and encouraged them to take their education seriously.
USM thanked Minister Gumbs for investing her time in the students and presented her with a token of appreciation and a USM alumni pin at the end of the session.
The university commends the Minister’s commitment to visiting schools during Financial Literacy Month and creating spaces where young people can ask questions, learn about government and consider their role in the future of St. Maarten.
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