The Department of Economic Policy & Research is primarily responsible for the monitoring of economic development of the economy of St. Maarten. In addition, it has the added responsibility to advise the Executive Council of the Island Territory of St. Maarten on economic issues and provide subsequent economic polices. The ultimate objective is to assists government in achieving a balance between economic growth and development by utilizing instruments of “controls and measures” versus “incentives.” The dual combination approach of protecting and stimulating of the economy is the critical function of the department towards the larger context of achieving economic growth and development.