PHILIPSBURG:--- Parliament on Friday resumed deliberations on matters related to NV GEBE, with Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina returning to provide answers to questions posed by Members of Parliament during earlier sessions on the utility company's ongoing challenges.
The continuation of Public Meeting No. 21 of Parliamentary Year 2024-2025 was opened by Chairlady Sarah Wescot-Williams, who welcomed the Prime Minister, his support staff, members of GEBE's Supervisory Board, and the public following the proceedings.
Before turning to the agenda, Members of Parliament used the notification period to extend condolences to families affected by recent traffic fatalities and to wish the people of St. Maarten a safe and enjoyable Flag Day celebration.
MP Dimar Labega called for unity as Parliament prepared to tackle one of the country's most pressing issues. He described the GEBE matter as a national concern that requires cooperation among all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or differing viewpoints.
Labega urged the government, management, the Supervisory Board, and members of the coalition and opposition to work together in the country's interest, emphasizing that progress could only be achieved through collective effort.
MP Viren Kotai also addressed the nation, extending condolences to Ryan Gumbs's family and encouraging residents to stay safe on the roads during the Flag Day celebrations.
MP Ardwell Irion used his intervention to congratulate students at Milton Peters College and Sundial School on their examination successes and to offer words of encouragement to those preparing for resits.
Attention soon shifted back to the ongoing concerns surrounding NV GEBE.
MP Lyndon Lewis noted growing frustration among residents and said his office continues to receive messages from concerned citizens regarding the utility company's situation.
According to Lewis, many residents remain worried about the state of GEBE and are looking to Parliament and Government for concrete solutions.
MP Chris Wever encouraged greater public participation in parliamentary proceedings, stressing the importance of residents following debates firsthand rather than relying solely on excerpts circulating on social media.
MP Egbert Doran joined colleagues in extending Flag Day greetings and condolences to grieving families, while also encouraging national reflection during what he described as challenging times for the community.
MP Franklin Meyers echoed calls for road safety and expressed sympathy to families who recently lost loved ones in tragic accidents.
As the opening proceedings concluded, Chairlady Wescot-Williams outlined the history of the meeting, noting that the request for parliamentary deliberations on GEBE dates back to August 13, 2025. The meeting was originally requested by several Members of Parliament seeking urgent discussions with the Prime Minister in his capacity as Minister of General Affairs.
The Chairlady explained that Parliament had already received presentations and updates during previous sessions and that Members had submitted a series of questions to Government. Friday's continuation was convened specifically to allow Prime Minister Mercelina to respond.
The agenda focuses on several pressing matters related to NV GEBE, including relief measures, issues concerning the Supervisory Board, and concerns involving middle management within the company.
With public interest in the utility company's future continuing to grow, all eyes turned to the Prime Minister as Chairlady Wescot-Williams formally invited him to take the floor and answer questions from Members of Parliament.
The Prime Minister's response is expected to address concerns that have remained before Parliament since the initial discussions began and could provide further clarity on the Government's position regarding the challenges facing the country's sole electricity and water provider.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Milton Peters College (MPC) and Sundial School are pleased to announce encouraging preliminary results from the first examination period of the 2025–2026 academic year, demonstrating measurable progress in student achievement and reflecting the impact of several strategic initiatives implemented throughout the year to improve academic performance.
Out of 46 students:
PHILIPSBURG:--- Former Chief Financial Officer Iris Arrindell is set to assume the position of Temporary Manager of NV GEBE, according to information reliably obtained by SMN News.
PHILIPSBURG:--- We are bursting with excitement here at the Sint Maarten Library as we welcome our readers, families, and the wider community into a vibrant new era of storytelling! In a spectacular boost to regional literacy and cultural exchange, we have officially unveiled a captivating collection of children’s and youth literature, generously donated by acclaimed visiting author Delno Tromp, affectionately known as "Denchi," during his recent high-profile literary tour of our island. These brilliant works celebrate the richness of Caribbean storytelling and highlight the vital power of multilingual literature to strengthen identity and spark imagination across the region.
