PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis is calling on the Honorable Prime Minister, Dr. Luc Mercelina, to urgently address the ongoing crisis at NV GEBE, which has left countless citizens burdened with exorbitant and inconsistent electricity bills. The continued discrepancies in billing have created a state of uncertainty and distress for many households, particularly those in the low-income bracket who are now facing disconnection due to their inability to pay.

“This is not just a matter of numbers on paper, it is a matter of basic human dignity,” MP Lewis stated. “People are receiving bills that they simply cannot afford, in many cases, more than double their usual rates, with no clear explanation or accountability from GEBE. The people of this country should no longer suffer under these inhumane circumstances. This is unacceptable.”

For months, residents have voiced growing concerns about unexplained spikes in their utility bills, errors in consumption estimates, and a lack of transparency and communication from GEBE. Despite repeated promises of improvement, the situation has only worsened, leaving vulnerable families at risk of living without electricity, a necessity in today’s world.

MP Lewis understood from many residents that their electricity is currently disconnected. He emphasized that while the operational challenges at GEBE may be complex, the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens from unjust burdens. “This is where leadership matters. The people deserve more than silence—they deserve answers, solutions, and relief. I am urging the Prime Minister to step up, provide clarity, and implement immediate short-term measures to suspend disconnections, followed by long-term reform at GEBE.”

He concluded by calling for a public statement from the Prime Minister and a full investigation into GEBE’s billing systems, with a demand for immediate remedial action, including relief mechanisms for those who have been unfairly charged and an urgent freeze on all service cutoffs until proper assessments are made. The management of GEBE N.V. has to get its house in order, finally. 

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  Thursday, June 5 is World Environment Day (WED). WED is the biggest international day for the environment.

World Environment Day 2025 is focused on beating plastic pollution. Plastics are an important part of the modern world, used in everything from car parts to medical devices.

Since the 1950s, researchers estimate humanity has produced 9.2 billion tonnes of material, some 7 billion tonnes of which have become waste.

A major source of plastic pollution is single-use plastic products, which are not circulated in the economy, overwhelming waste systems and entering the environment.

Some of the most common single-use plastic products are water bottles, dispensing containers, takeaway bags, disposable cutlery, freezer bags and packaging foam.

The world generated an estimated 400 million tonnes of plastic waste last year. This torrent of water and shampoo bottles, dispensing containers, polyester shirts, PVC piping and other plastic products is part and parcel of a plastic pollution crisis that experts say is ravaging ecosystems, exposing people to potentially harmful pollutants and stoking climate change, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The UNEP says countries worldwide are now negotiating an international legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution. Against that backdrop, this year’s World Environment Day will focus on ways to prevent plastic waste from escaping into the environment, such as curbing pollution from single-use plastic products and redesigning plastic products so they last longer.   

Collective Preventive Services (CPS) department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, as part of its annual calendar of awareness activities, is calling on the community to join the global movement to bring about awareness to the ongoing balance among human activity, economic development and nature in the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability.

This year’s focus is also in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 which provides a blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.

CPS points out that SDG-3 ‘Good Health and Well-being’ is part of the agenda for the well-being of humanity.

Since 1973, World Environment Day on June 5 has been the biggest international day for the environment.  It is led by the United Nations Environment Program and is held annually to raise awareness and generate political momentum around growing environmental concerns, such as toxic chemical pollution, desertification, and global warming.

PHILIPSBURG:---  In light of recent public discussions and statements made by representatives of the local construction sector, the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) wishes to address growing concerns regarding procurement practices, contractor eligibility, and local participation in recovery-related projects.

The NRPB acknowledges the passion, frustration, and advocacy expressed by local contractors and community leaders and understands that some contractors may find the qualification requirements challenging. These thresholds are designed to match the complexity and risk level of each project. They also help ensure that participating firms are not exposed to obligations beyond their current capacity, which could place both the business and the project at risk. As stewards of public funds, the NRPB must uphold standards that support responsible project delivery and long-term sustainability.

“However, we do hear the concerns, and we share the desire to see local professionals actively involved in rebuilding the country,” said NRPB Director Claret Connor. “As NRPB we work within a framework that protects the country from financial liability and ensures compliance with international standards. Finding that balance is not easy, but it is necessary, and we are committed to it.”

The NRPB recognizes that its procurement processes, while legally required, have not always felt accessible or inclusive to all. For some contractors, particularly small and medium-sized firms, participating in Trust Fund tenders has been difficult due to financial, technical, or administrative thresholds. These challenges are real and cannot be dismissed.

Connor further emphasized that the NRPB understands how deeply this issue touches on national pride, economic survival, and the future of young professionals.

“That message is not lost on us. At the same time, we must continue to meet rigorous accountability standards and make procurement decisions based on evolving project needs.”

All Trust Fund-financed contracts must follow World Bank procurement procedures, as Sint Maarten currently does not have a national procurement law. These procedures are designed to ensure transparency, competition, and value for money, while protecting public funds from risk. Non-compliance with the applicable procurement regulations could furthermore result in expenditure being declared ineligible, which could place a financial burden on the country. For future tenders, the NRPB will continue to seek ways to reduce entry barriers for potential bidders. Where possible, the NRPB will simplify qualification thresholds and unbundle project activities. Meanwhile, the NRPB will expand its public outreach and introduce a new e-Procurement platform to make the bidding process more accessible and user-friendly.

Connor noted that over 90 percent of the NRPB’s repair works contracts to date were implemented by locally established companies. “We are not here to exclude, but to include, responsibly. We’re proud of the contributions many local firms have made to national recovery. We want more of that. But we also must ensure that projects are delivered on time, on budget, and with full accountability.”

As part of its continued efforts toward greater transparency and engagement, the NRPB and the World Bank will host a Public Procurement Information Session on Monday, June 17 at the Aleeze Convention Center. The session will offer an in-depth look at how the procurement process works, introduce the new e-Procurement platform, and provide a space for questions and dialogue. Full details of the event will be announced in the coming days.

“This conversation is not just about contracts. It is about national development. We hope all stakeholders will work with us to build a system that is both transparent and inclusive, even within the strict framework we must follow.”

The NRPB extends its appreciation to all professionals, partners, and community members who continue to advocate for local capacity, accountability, and progress. These goals remain at the heart of the recovery effort.

For more information about NRPB projects or procurement guidelines, visit www.nrpbsxm.org/procurement  or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:--- During a recent press briefing, the Prime Minister of St Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina, shared crucial details about a €33.46 million allocation from the Dutch government, part of a broader €150 million fund earmarked to promote sustainable energy across the six Dutch Caribbean islands. The funds, intended to address energy challenges in the region, were announced in alignment with discussions held at the recent Caribbean Energy Conference in Curaçao, where energy sustainability was a prominent feature.

Allocation and Process for Accessing Funds

Of the €150 million allocated to the Dutch Caribbean, €33.46 million has been explicitly designated for St Maarten. The Prime Minister confirmed the figures during the briefing, expressing optimism about the potential impact of the funding on the island’s energy landscape.

“I became very happy for the people of my country,” the Prime Minister stated, recounting her conversation with Sophie Hermans, the Dutch Minister responsible for the fund. “Directly after that session, in the coffee break, I went to Mrs. Sophie Hermans and told her, You have to explain to me now how I’m going to get my part for my people of St Maarten.”

The Prime Minister explained that a formal request would be directed to Minister Hermans in the coming days to initiate the process of securing the allocation. She affirmed that the funds would fall under her ministry’s oversight until definitive plans and procedures are clarified.

A Path Toward Net Metering and Renewable Solutions

While discussing the funding, the Prime Minister hinted at the possibility that it could contribute towards a net metering policy. This system would allow residents to generate their renewable energy and potentially sell excess power back to the grid. Although no formal announcements were made, the Prime Minister’s remarks underscored the government’s focus on exploring innovative solutions to address the island’s energy demands.

Commitment to Hurricane Preparedness

Shifting focus to the upcoming hurricane season, the Prime Minister updated the public on preparations underway, including a meeting with the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to review the protocols for hurricane passes.

When asked about adjustments to the current hurricane pass system, she confirmed that the existing process would largely remain in place. The Prime Minister emphasized that such measures form part of the broader strategy to ensure community preparedness during hurricane season.

“We are entering hurricane season, and our focus must remain on preparation and protection,” she said, urging residents to stay vigilant.

Roof Repairs and Property Insurance for Homeowners

Addressing concerns about roof repairs and property insurance, the Prime Minister acknowledged the investments made in roof repairs during the current recovery program. These efforts primarily benefited homeowners who lacked insurance. She emphasized the importance of adopting a proactive approach to avoid relying on government aid in the future.

“The roof repairs were really for homeowners who didn’t have insurance or a mortgage,” the Prime Minister explained. “Moving forward, we are looking into ways to assist homeowners in managing their costs for insuring their properties.”

The Prime Minister also hinted at plans to establish a fund to support roof repairs in emergencies, ensuring that households are better equipped to recover from future storms.

Looking Ahead

With €33.46 million in sustainable energy funding on the horizon and ongoing efforts to improve hurricane preparedness, the government of Sint Maarten remains steadfast in its commitment to resilience and progress.

The Prime Minister's proactive engagement during the Caribbean Energy Conference and her dedication to advocating for her constituents reflect the administration's determination to weather both economic and environmental challenges. The public awaits further updates on how the energy funds will be utilized as the government continues to prioritize innovative solutions, preparedness, and long-term sustainability for the people of St Maarten.