~ Utility relies on internal practices while new collection and disconnection rules are still being drafted~

PHILIPSBURG: ---  NV GEBE is disconnecting customers without a formally approved disconnection policy, according to information presented in Parliament on Friday, raising new questions about consumer protections as public frustration over electricity costs continues to grow.

The disclosure emerged during the continuation of Parliament's long-delayed GEBE meeting when Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina responded to questions from Members of Parliament regarding the utility company's collection practices and the rights of consumers facing disconnection.

According to the Prime Minister, GEBE currently relies on internal operational practices rather than a formally approved standalone disconnection policy.

"NV GEBE applies disconnections based on internal operational practices rather than a formally approved standalone disconnection policy," Mercelina told Parliament.

The revelation comes as residents continue to complain about soaring electricity bills, fuel clause charges, and increasing financial pressure on households struggling to keep up with utility payments.

New Policy Still Under Review

The Prime Minister disclosed that an external consultant has been hired to conduct a comprehensive review of GEBE's collection procedures and to draft a legally sound collection and disconnection policy.

The proposed policy is expected to establish clear procedures for customer notification, payment arrangements, protection for vulnerable customers, and the specific circumstances under which disconnections may occur. The document remains under review by management and legal advisers and is expected to be submitted to GEBE's Supervisory Board later this month.

For consumer advocates, the admission raises questions about how disconnections have been carried out in recent years and whether sufficient safeguards have existed for vulnerable households.

What Notices Are Consumers Receiving?

Responding to further questions, Mercelina stated that GEBE notifies customers through several channels before disconnection takes place.

The utility has resumed displaying outstanding balances on customer invoices and has reinstated formal dunning notices sent to customers with overdue accounts. Those notices formally place customers in default and include statements detailing unpaid balances.

GEBE also uses public announcements and social media to communicate with customers regarding outstanding accounts.

However, Members of Parliament questioned whether general public announcements alone satisfy legal standards for notification and due process before a household loses access to electricity or water.

Disconnection as a "Last Resort"

The Prime Minister insisted that GEBE already applies disconnections only as a measure of last resort.

According to Mercelina, customers facing disconnection are generally those with outstanding balances dating back to 2025 or earlier. He further stated that customers who contact GEBE and enter into a payment arrangement are typically reconnected on the same day.

"Disconnection is applied as a measure of last resort," the Prime Minister told Parliament.

The new policy currently being drafted is expected to formally embed that principle and align GEBE's practices with national and international standards regarding utility disconnections.

Relief Exists for Some Vulnerable Groups

During the same debate, Mercelina disclosed that certain targeted relief measures are already in place.

According to the Prime Minister, GEBE operates a Senior Citizen Relief Program costing approximately NAf. 600,000 annually. In addition, a Social Relief Fund introduced in December allows vulnerable consumers to apply for assistance through social service channels.

He argued that these measures demonstrate that some forms of targeted assistance already exist, even as broader relief measures remain under discussion.

Payment Plans Available

The Prime Minister also outlined payment arrangements currently offered by GEBE to customers struggling with outstanding balances.

Residential customers are generally required to make an upfront payment of between 10 and 25 percent of the outstanding amount, with the remaining balance spread over a period of up to 24 months.

The availability of payment plans, the government argues, provides consumers with an opportunity to avoid disconnection while gradually bringing accounts back into good standing.

Growing Public Scrutiny

The issue of disconnections has taken on added significance amid mounting public concern over electricity costs and fuel clause charges.

Consumer groups and residents have increasingly questioned whether households should be disconnected while disputes continue regarding fuel pricing, tariff structures, and potential relief measures.

The matter is expected to receive even greater attention in the coming days as Consumer Protection St. Maarten (ACP-SXM) prepares for a public demonstration on Monday calling for action on electricity costs and consumer protections.

Friday's parliamentary session made one thing clear: while GEBE says disconnections are used only as a last resort, the formal rules governing when and how that can happen are still being written.

~Island-Wide Car Loan Campaign Offers 100% Financing, 24-Hour Approval and the Chance to Win XCG 7,500~

PHILIPSBURG:---  Orco Bank, Sint Maarten, today launches AutoXperience SXM 2026, a two-week Car Loan campaign designed to put more island residents in the driver’s seat of a brand-new car. Running from June 12 through June 26, 2026, the campaign offers some of the most accessible car financing terms ever available on the island, culminating in a flagship live sales event on Saturday, June 27, in collaboration with four local car dealerships: First Auto SXM, Real Auto SXM, Motorworld SXM, and Saint Martin Cars.
At the heart of AutoXperience SXM 2026 is Orco Bank’s commitment to being Closer to your goals. Through a streamlined digital application process and fast loan approvals, the Bank is making it easier than ever for residents to get behind the wheel of their dream vehicle. The campaign offers 100% financing with no down payment required, highly attractive interest rates, and flexible repayment terms of up to 7 years. Both existing and new customers are welcome to apply.
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— Judy King, Country Manager, Orco Bank Sint Maarten

Campaign Highlights
• 100% financing, no down payment required
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• Campaign valid June 12–27, 2026, applicable for new cars only

• A chance to WIN up to XCG 7,500*

Win Up to XCG 7,500* Every applicant approved during the campaign period from June 12–27 is eligible to win XCG 5,000, with an additional top-up of XCG 2,500 for those who applied early, before the event, between June 12 and June 26, bringing the total potential prize to XCG 7,500. Terms and conditions apply; visit www.orcobank.com/autoXperience-SXM for full details. AutoXperience Car Sales Event — June 27. The campaign closes with a live car sales event on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Orco Bank Parking Lot, Emmaplein, Philipsburg, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Four of Sint Maarten’s leading dealerships will be represented on site: First Auto SXM, Real Auto SXM, Motorworld SXM, and Saint Martin Cars. Orco Bank financing specialists will be present to offer on-the-spot loan approvals. Every approved deal earns one automatic entry in the hourly raffle.
Entertainment & Activities AutoXperience SXM 2026 is more than a car event; it’s a full day out for the whole family. The event will feature LIVE entertainment from three of Sint Maarten’s DJs: DJ LilR, DJ Nachum, and DJ Siw’Roo, keeping the energy high throughout the day. Families with children can enjoy the dedicated Kids Corner, complete with coloring fun, a bounce castle, popcorn, and cotton candy, ensuring a memorable day for visitors of all ages. Community Partnership: No Kidding with our Kids Foundation. Orco Bank is proud to partner with the ‘No Kidding with our Kids Foundation’ at this year’s event. The Foundation will be in charge of the food and beverage stand, selling a variety of food, treats, and refreshments to attendees while raising funds for their important community mission. Visitors are warmly encouraged to stop by the stand and support this worthy cause. Who Can Apply & What You Will Need AutoXperience SXM 2026 is open to all residents of Sint Maarten — both existing Orco Bank customers and new customers are warmly welcomed to apply. To help expedite your application and approval, please have the following documents ready:

• Valid Sint Maarten ID card
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• Job letter no older than 2 months
• Last 2 months’ salary slips
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• Last 2 bank statements (if new customer)

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PHILIPSBURG:---  With a public march scheduled for Monday and growing frustration over electricity bills and fuel clause charges, Parliament on Friday heard a recurring message from Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina: relief for consumers remains under review, but government cannot simply order GEBE to lower rates or eliminate charges.

The explanation came during the continuation of a parliamentary meeting originally requested in 2025, where Members of Parliament repeatedly pressed the government for answers on relief measures promised to consumers struggling with rising utility costs.

The timing of the discussion is significant.

Public dissatisfaction with electricity costs has intensified in recent months, culminating in the formation of Consumer Protection St. Maarten (ACP-SXM), a movement calling for greater transparency, lower electricity costs, and action on the fuel clause, which many residents believe has become an unsustainable burden on households and businesses.

The organization has announced a public march for Monday.

The Question Consumers Keep Asking

Throughout the parliamentary debate, one question repeatedly surfaced: When will relief arrive?

MP Lyndon Lewis voiced what many residents have been saying publicly.

"The people want to know when they are going to get relief," Lewis stated during an interruption, arguing that consumers are tired of studies, reports, and explanations while their utility bills continue to rise.

Mercelina responded that relief remains a government objective but argued that the issue is far more complicated than simply removing the fuel clause or reducing tariffs.

According to the Prime Minister, relief can take different forms, including tariff restructuring, improved efficiency within GEBE, greater pricing transparency, and long-term measures designed to stabilize costs. However, he said any relief package must also protect the utility company's financial sustainability.

Why Government Says It Cannot Simply Order Relief

One of the strongest themes throughout the Prime Minister's presentation was the limitations imposed by corporate governance rules.

Mercelina repeatedly stated that government, as shareholder, cannot issue directives to GEBE management or the Supervisory Board. Instead, government can only provide recommendations and policy guidance.
He revealed that recommendations flowing from the BTP-RAC tariff review were shared with previous management, but according to government, those recommendations were never implemented.

The Prime Minister argued that many residents incorrectly assume government can simply instruct GEBE to lower costs.

"The shareholder cannot submit operational instructions," he told Parliament while explaining the separation between government, the Supervisory Board and management.

Fuel Clause Remains Flashpoint

One of the most controversial issues remains the fuel clause.

Many consumers have called for its removal, arguing that the surcharge has become one of the biggest drivers behind soaring electricity bills.

Mercelina, however, warned that eliminating the fuel clause entirely is not financially feasible.

According to government, the fuel clause exists to pass actual fuel costs directly to consumers. Removing it would not eliminate those costs but would instead create a multimillion-guilder funding gap that GEBE would be forced to absorb. Such a move, government argues, could threaten the company's ability to purchase fuel and maintain electricity production.

The Prime Minister further stated that addressing fuel costs in isolation would not solve the underlying problem because fuel charges are interconnected with the broader tariff structure, base rates and operational costs.

Questions About Fuel Pricing Persist

Government also acknowledged concerns surrounding fuel procurement.

Mercelina disclosed that negotiations between GEBE and Sol over a new fuel contract broke down because GEBE sought greater transparency regarding various charges included in fuel pricing. According to the Prime Minister, requests for additional documentation and justification of several pass-through costs were unsuccessful.

He further noted that Sol's position in the local market creates significant barriers for alternative suppliers, contributing to concerns about competition and pricing.

Relief Still Being Studied

While consumers are demanding immediate action, the government maintains that any relief package must be based on technical and financial analysis.

Mercelina confirmed that both the Minister of Finance and the Minister of TEATT are currently reviewing options to reduce the burden on consumers. However, no timeline was provided for when such measures could be implemented.

The Prime Minister also indicated that removing Turnover Tax (TOT) from fuel prices would require legislative amendments and cannot be achieved through a simple ministerial decision.

A New Phase at GEBE

Friday's debate also unfolded against the backdrop of major changes at the utility company.

Many of the questions posed to the Prime Minister originated nearly a year ago and reflected circumstances that existed under previous management and governance structures.

Since then, GEBE has seen significant changes, including the resignation of the two temporary managers whose final day was Friday and the appointment of a new temporary manager. A new Supervisory Board has also been installed, with additional appointments still expected.

Consumers Taking Their Concerns to the Streets

Despite the government's explanations, public frustration appears far from over.

The planned Monday march organized by Consumer Protection St. Maarten (ACP-SXM) reflects a growing sentiment among residents that discussions, reports and studies have not translated into meaningful reductions in their monthly electricity bills.

For many households, the debate is no longer about governance structures or corporate authority. It is about affordability.

And as Parliament continues its deliberations, consumers are preparing to take that message directly to the streets.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina on Friday defended the government's actions regarding NV GEBE, answering a series of questions originally posed nearly a year ago as Parliament resumed a long-delayed public meeting on the utility company's governance, finances, and operations.

The continuation meeting, first requested in August 2025, focused on concerns raised following the 2022 PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) review and the 2023 Integrity Chamber report. However, the Prime Minister's responses often referred to circumstances that existed when the questions were submitted, highlighting how significantly the situation at GEBE has evolved since then.

Perhaps most notably, the two temporary managers who were responsible for guiding the company through a difficult transition period have since resigned, with today, Friday, marking their final day in office. A new temporary manager has already been appointed, meaning that several operational matters discussed during the parliamentary session no longer reflect GEBE's present management structure.

Governance Concerns Remain Central

Responding to questions concerning the Integrity Chamber's recommendations, Mercelina acknowledged that GEBE did not have a dedicated compliance officer or confidential advisor during the period under discussion. Instead, compliance functions were being performed through the company's Internal Audit Department while discussions continued regarding the creation of dedicated positions.

The Prime Minister stressed that governance reforms have been ongoing, including the development of competency-based criteria for Supervisory Board appointments and efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability within the utility.

He further emphasized that responsibility for implementing many governance recommendations rests not only with the government, but also with GEBE's Supervisory Board and management.

New Supervisory Board, New Management Phase

Several parliamentary questions referred to previous boards and management structures that have since changed.

Mercelina noted that a new Supervisory Board has been appointed and that additional members are still expected to be recruited to complete the board's composition. He described the current board as possessing expertise in governance, finance, law, public administration, and business management.

The Prime Minister repeatedly reminded Members of Parliament that the government, as shareholder, cannot issue operational directives to GEBE management or the Supervisory Board under the country's corporate governance framework.

While the government may provide recommendations, expectations, and policy direction, operational authority remains with the utility's governing bodies.

Infrastructure Upgrades Near Completion

Among the more concrete updates provided was the status of a US$5.1 million infrastructure project aimed at improving the resilience of the electricity network.

According to the Prime Minister, the project, which includes installing underground electrical cabling to reduce vulnerability to storms and hurricanes, is approximately 99 percent complete.

Mercelina also addressed concerns regarding water losses within the utility network. Contrary to claims raised in Parliament that losses had reached 36 percent, he stated that verified figures placed non-revenue water at approximately 19.6 percent, a level he said falls within accepted international benchmarks.

To further reduce losses, GEBE has implemented leak-detection programs, smart-metering initiatives, and infrastructure-replacement projects.

Tariff Reform Still Under Review

A significant portion of the Prime Minister's presentation focused on tariff reform and regulatory oversight.

Mercelina confirmed that the government is moving forward with legislation aimed at strengthening the regulatory role of the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post (BTP) in utility oversight and tariff evaluations.

The Prime Minister said BTP has already developed a phased framework for future utility regulation and is expected to play a larger role in evaluating tariff methodologies and ensuring transparency.

He also disclosed that GEBE has undertaken a comprehensive tariff study intended to examine disparities between residential and commercial water rates and assess whether adjustments may be necessary in the future.

Fuel Supply Challenges Continue

The Prime Minister acknowledged ongoing challenges regarding fuel procurement and negotiations between GEBE and fuel supplier Sol.

According to Mercelina, efforts to negotiate a new fuel supply agreement were complicated by disagreements regarding transparency in fuel pricing components and cost structures.

The government is now examining longer-term strategies to reduce the utility's vulnerability to dependence on a single supplier while maintaining stability in electricity generation.

Clean Audits Following Cyberattack Recovery

Addressing concerns about delayed financial reporting, Mercelina stated that GEBE has completed its audited 2023 financial statements and is finalizing its 2024 accounts.

The delays were largely attributed to the 2022 cyberattack that severely disrupted the company's financial systems.

According to the Prime Minister, both audits resulted in clean opinions, signaling progress in restoring financial reporting and accountability.

Relief Measures Remain a Government Objective

The issue of consumer relief remained a recurring theme throughout the session.

Mercelina said the government continues to explore measures that could ease financial pressure on households and businesses struggling with utility costs. However, he cautioned that any relief initiative must be balanced against the utility's financial sustainability.

The Prime Minister indicated that both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of TEATT continue to evaluate options while awaiting further technical and regulatory assessments.

Debate Reflects Past and Present Realities

While Friday's parliamentary session provided answers to longstanding questions, it also underscored the challenge of discussing issues that originated nearly a year ago within a company that has undergone substantial changes.

Many of the questions posed by Members of Parliament were framed around circumstances that existed under previous governance and management arrangements. Since then, GEBE has seen changes to its Supervisory Board, the departure of its temporary management team, the appointment of a new temporary manager, and continuing efforts to reform governance and regulatory oversight.

As Parliament continues its examination of the utility company, attention is expected to shift from historical concerns toward the challenges and opportunities facing GEBE under its new leadership structure.