PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Omar Ottley has expressed deep concern regarding the Government's current approach to the GEBE relief measures, which could have already been implemented but are seemingly being offered only as a "dangling carrot" to the people of St. Maarten.
In his recent statements, Ottley emphasized that the Government has all the necessary tools to implement meaningful changes that would ensure the long term sustainability of GEBE and benefit the community as a whole.
In early November, MP Ottley submitted a ministerial regulation to the government, which aims to empower the relevant Minister to establish a maximum tariff for fuels imported specifically for electricity generation and to adopt a structured approach to calculating the electricity tariff. This critical regulation is will create a clear and transparent billing system for SOL, potentially saving GEBE millions of dollars in operational costs.
Ottley further expressed his discontent with the recent announcement from the chair of Parliament regarding a question hour on GEBE matters. He views this initiative as another political gimmick, especially given that the public meeting on GEBE's operations has yet to reconvene and that the Parliament recently had two closed door meetings with the Prime Minister and GEBE’s Management teams.
The Chair of Parliament went on to state that she is bringing an "amendment that would establish a structural, legal basis for social tariffs." MP Ottley is deeply concerned by this statement because the legal basis for structuring such is already in the law and it is to be further detailed by lbham. However, based on current existing legislation entitled the “Price Ordinance” the Minister of TEATT may regulate prices in the public's interest if deemed necessary via Ministerial Regulation. This method is used in Curacao and Aruba to establish the electricity tariff prices and categories.
“Based on extensive research and confirmed by the recent BTP/RAC report, there is no existing LBHAM regulating electricity tariffs,” MP Ottley states. “This makes the MR the most immediate and effective tool available to bring relief and transparency to consumers.”
MP Ottley questions why Parliamentary time will be used for question hour while we have already been granted ample opportunities to ask questions directly to GEBE management and Government, with a continuation scheduled. Ottley characterizes this as a misplaced prioritization at a time when residents and businesses are demanding solutions.
“We cannot continue to engage in superficial discussions while the real issues remain unaddressed," Ottley remarked. "The people of St. Maarten deserve a comprehensive and transparent approach to their energy needs. It is both the Government and Parliament’s responsibility to ensure that we prioritize the long term sustainability of GEBE ."
MP Ottley ended by saying light shows and lights on poles are nice but there are people in our country that are without lights for months. Let us prioritize the people first and take a page from Curacao who once reconnected every household for the holiday season.
