~Resignation of Attorney Thaisa Heymans Raises Fresh Questions about Utility's Governance Structure~
PHILIPSBURG:--- Just months after the government announced a new Supervisory Board of Directors (SBOD) for NV GEBE, one of its members has already stepped down, creating another vacancy at the utility company at a time when Parliament is demanding answers on governance, tariffs, consumer relief, and the future direction of the country's sole electricity and water provider.
Attorney-at-Law Thaisa Heymans, who was appointed to the GEBE Supervisory Board in February 2026, has submitted her resignation this week, according to information obtained by SMN News.
Her departure comes as Parliament continues to examine GEBE's governance structure during the ongoing public meeting first requested in 2025 and only now being addressed.
The resignation leaves the board operating with one less member at a critical moment for the utility company.
Prime Minister confirms additional recruitment is needed
During Friday's parliamentary session, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina confirmed that the government is actively seeking additional candidates to serve on GEBE's Supervisory Board.
The Prime Minister explained that the board appointed on February 3, 2026, was not yet at its full complement and that efforts remain underway to identify suitable candidates to fill outstanding positions.
The revelation was significant because the government had previously announced the appointment of four board members:
- Henry Ellis
- Julian Lake
- Mario Gumbs
- Attorney-at-Law Thaisa Heymans
The appointments were presented as part of the government's effort to stabilize governance at GEBE and strengthen oversight following years of controversy involving management decisions, fuel costs, financial reporting delays, and consumer complaints.
With Heymans' resignation now confirmed, the board faces an even greater need for reinforcement.
Governance challenges continue
The resignation comes at a time when GEBE is undergoing significant changes at both the board and management levels.
Friday also marked the final day for the utility's two temporary managers, both of whom have resigned after overseeing the company through one of the most challenging periods in its history.
A new temporary manager has since been appointed to guide the company through its next phase of operations.
These developments mean that both management and board oversight are undergoing transition simultaneously.
Observers note that these places increased pressure on the remaining Supervisory Board members as they navigate a series of major decisions expected in the months ahead.
Major decisions await the board
The Supervisory Board is expected to play a critical role in several key matters currently facing GEBE.
These include:
- Ongoing tariff reform discussions.
- Government's efforts to provide consumer relief.
- Procurement of new-generation equipment.
- Fuel supply negotiations.
- Completion of outstanding financial reporting requirements.
- Recruitment of a permanent statutory director.
- Implementation of recommendations from the Integrity Chamber and other governance reviews.
Parliament was also informed that GEBE still lacks a statutory director and that filling that position remains a priority. The Supervisory Board will ultimately play a central role in that recruitment process.
Questions about stability
The timing of the resignation is likely to generate new questions regarding stability within GEBE's governance structure.
The government has repeatedly emphasized the importance of competency-based appointments and strong oversight as the utility works to rebuild public confidence.
However, the departure of one of the board members only four months after appointment raises concerns about continuity at a company already dealing with leadership changes, financial challenges, and mounting public scrutiny.
The Prime Minister told Parliament that the government remains committed to strengthening governance at GEBE and recruiting qualified individuals to fill outstanding positions.
Consumers watching closely
For many consumers, governance issues may seem removed from everyday concerns about electricity bills and fuel-clause charges.
Yet decisions made by the Supervisory Board directly affect the policies, investments, and management actions that ultimately shape service delivery and utility costs.
With public frustration growing and Consumer Protection St. Maarten (ACP-SXM) organizing demonstrations over electricity prices and consumer rights, confidence in the utility's leadership remains under intense scrutiny.
The resignation of Attorney Thaisa Heymans therefore represents more than a simple board change. It highlights the continuing challenge of building a stable governance structure at a company that remains at the center of one of the country's most pressing national issues.
As the government begins the search for another board member, attention will now focus on who fills the vacancy and whether the Supervisory Board can provide the continuity needed to guide GEBE through a period of significant transition.
