PHILIPSBURG:--- The leadership crisis at NV GEBE has reached a critical point, with Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina issuing a strong call for accountability and performance. In recent statements at the Council of Ministers press briefing, the Prime Minister made his position clear: the time for excuses is over. He has directly addressed the performance of the Supervisory Board of Directors (SBoD) and the effectiveness of the company's current management, signaling a demand for decisive action to resolve the utility's persistent operational failures.
Dr. Mercelina did not mince words when discussing the SBoD, stating unequivocally, "It is not for nothing that I have requested the board to resign." This public declaration underscores a profound dissatisfaction with the board's oversight and strategic direction. The request for resignation reflects a complete loss of confidence stemming from ongoing issues that have plagued the company and its customers for years. These problems, including the notorious and widespread failure to issue accurate, timely invoices, have left residents and businesses in prolonged uncertainty. The Prime Minister's stance implies that the Supervisory Board has failed in its fundamental duty to hold management accountable and steer the company toward stability and reliability.
Furthermore, Dr. Mercelina dismissed any notion that the company's leadership challenges should excuse its poor performance. He pointed out that GEBE currently has a temporary manager and financial officer in place. He emphasized that the presence of temporary leadership is not a valid excuse for inaction or failure to execute. "We have had this temporary manager before for a few years... and it was never an excuse to take decisions with GEBE," he stated. "There should be no excuse for execution of what really has to happen in that company, especially seeing the critical situation that we're in."
This assertion places responsibility for day-to-day operations squarely on the current management team, regardless of their temporary status. The Prime Minister's message is that a functioning board and an empowered management team, even if interim, must have the capacity and the will to run the organization effectively. The expectation is clear: the leadership must address the critical problems facing GEBE now, without waiting for permanent appointments.
These powerful statements highlight a deep-seated governance crisis. On the one hand, the Prime Minister is calling for the resignation of the supervisory body responsible for oversight. On the other, he is demanding immediate results from a management team operating without a permanent, fully appointed board. This situation raises significant questions about the path forward for GEBE. While the call for accountability is necessary, it also shines a light on the leadership vacuum that has allowed operational issues to fester.
For the people of St. Martin, who have endured years of billing chaos and uncertainty, the Prime Minister's words may offer a glimmer of hope that change is coming. However, these words must be followed by concrete actions. Restoring public trust in GEBE will require more than a change in personnel; it will demand a fundamental shift toward transparent governance, effective management, and a renewed commitment to serving the community's needs without delay or excuse.
