Pond Island:---   Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has formally instructed Port St. Maarten Group (PSG) to develop and submit a Comprehensive Congestion and Passenger Flow Management Plan aimed at addressing traffic congestion and mobility challenges in and around the Point Blanche and Philipsburg areas on cruise days.

The directive follows ongoing concerns about increased congestion caused by the island's growing cruise tourism sector. Port St. Maarten welcomed more than 1.5 million cruise passengers in the past year, marking one of its strongest performances in history. With industry forecasts projecting continued growth in cruise arrivals, the Government considers it essential to proactively strengthen traffic management and passenger flow systems.

“The continued success of our cruise sector is something we should all be proud of, but growth also brings responsibility,” said Minister Heyliger-Marten. “We must ensure that residents, visitors, businesses and service providers can move safely and efficiently throughout the area while preserving the quality experience for which Sint Maarten is known.”

The plan, which must be submitted by August 21, 2026, is expected to include traffic flow redesign measures, passenger flow management strategies, a stakeholder coordination framework, short-term infrastructure adjustments, an operational deployment plan, data-driven forecasting and planning mechanisms.

The Minister emphasized that improving mobility around the port area is a matter of national importance, directly affecting visitor satisfaction, public safety, economic activity and the overall functioning of one of the country's most important tourism gateways.

In addition to congestion management measures, the Minister has also requested that PSG include beautification efforts for the area directly in front of the harbour entrance, including the vicinity of the EDC property. The area has historically served as an important first impression for visitors arriving by cruise ship and should reflect the high standards associated with Sint Maarten's tourism product.

Government looks forward to working closely with PSG and other stakeholders to identify practical solutions that will improve traffic circulation, enhance the visitor experience and support the sustainable growth of the country's cruise tourism industry.

PHILIPSBURG:--- For decades, many citizens of Sint Maarten looked primarily to government leaders to address the country's social and economic challenges. Today, however, a noticeable shift is taking place. More residents are moving away from waiting on political solutions and are instead organizing themselves to advocate for meaningful change.

This emerging mindset represents a significant paradigm shift in the country's civic landscape.
At the heart of this transformation is a simple but powerful message: the people of Sint Maarten are no longer looking to the government for help. Instead, they are increasingly relying on themselves, their communities, and collective action to solve their own problems and shape the future of their nation.

One of the most visible examples of this movement is ACP-SXM, a citizen-led initiative calling for greater transparency in the ongoing GEBE saga, lower electricity costs, and immediate action regarding the controversial fuel clause that has contributed to rising utility expenses. The movement reflects a growing belief among residents that meaningful change can be achieved when ordinary citizens organize, raise their voices, and take ownership of the issues affecting their daily lives.

This shift has several potential benefits for the people of Sint Maarten. First, it encourages greater public participation in national affairs. Citizens who become actively involved in advocating for solutions are more likely to hold public institutions accountable and demand transparency in decision-making. Second, grassroots movements can place important issues, such as the cost of living and utility rates, at the forefront of public discourse. Finally, an engaged and informed population can foster stronger communities and create a culture in which civic responsibility is shared by all.

However, this changing dynamic also presents challenges for the country's leadership. Citizen movements that gain significant support can place increased pressure on government officials and institutions to deliver results more quickly and transparently. Leaders may find themselves under heightened scrutiny as residents demand greater accountability and direct involvement in policy discussions.

Additionally, if public trust in traditional political leadership continues to decline, governments may struggle to maintain confidence and effectively communicate their policies and decisions.
Yet, this paradigm shift should not necessarily be viewed as a confrontation between citizens and government. Rather, it represents an opportunity to redefine the relationship between the people and their leaders.

An active, engaged citizenry can complement effective governance by bringing community concerns directly to the forefront and encouraging leaders to be more responsive and transparent.

The rise of movements such as ACP-SXM signals that the people of Sint Maarten are increasingly recognizing their own collective power. They are no longer content to wait on the sidelines or depend solely on government action. Instead, they are stepping forward, organizing themselves, and taking responsibility for finding solutions to the challenges they face. In doing so, they are becoming active participants in shaping the future of their country and demonstrating that lasting change often begins with the people themselves.

We should all draw inspiration from this and do our part to regain control of our country and our destiny. The future of our nation depends on the choices we make today!

~Utility Company faces massive receivables, while some push relief that could bankrupt the country's sole electricity and water provider~

PHILIPSBURG — NV GEBE is owed approximately NAf. 184.7 million as of the end of December 2025, Parliament was told Friday, raising serious questions about how far politicians, businesses and consumers can demand relief while leaving the country's only electricity and water provider carrying a massive unpaid balance.

The figure was disclosed during the continuation of Parliament's public meeting on GEBE, when Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina responded to questions regarding commercial arrears, consumer balances, and the utility's financial position. In response to questions about what is owed, the Prime Minister stated that outstanding amounts stood at NAf. 184.7 million at the end of December 2025.

The revelation comes at a time when public pressure is mounting for relief from high electricity bills, fuel clause charges, and past balances. But the same parliamentary discussion made clear that writing off arrears would not be a painless political gesture. It would create a multimillion-guilder hole at GEBE.

Relief or Bankruptcy?

One of the most pointed questions raised in Parliament was whether GEBE could simply erase outstanding arrears and allow households to restart from zero.

The answer was blunt: erasing outstanding arrears would have a multi-million-guilder negative impact on GEBE. The Prime Minister also warned that removing fuel costs entirely would be financially impossible because fuel remains the dominant cost driver of electricity generation. Eliminating the charge would not eliminate the cost; it would merely shift or hide it, leaving GEBE with an immediate funding gap.

That warning cuts to the heart of the national debate.

Consumers want relief. Politicians want to be seen fighting for relief. But GEBE cannot keep the lights on if millions in unpaid bills are treated as optional.

Who Owes GEBE?

The meeting did not provide a public list of names, nor was any individual debtor identified. However, the questions raised in Parliament made clear that the issue is not limited to small households struggling to survive.

MPs questioned commercial arrears and raised concerns about whether certain companies, entities or politically connected persons were receiving special treatment in efforts to get reconnected. Those claims were raised in Parliament, but no names of individuals or businesses were released during the meeting.

That is precisely why transparency is now essential.

If ordinary citizens are expected to enter payment arrangements or face disconnection, then the same standard must apply to politicians, well-known persons, large businesses, government-linked entities, and commercial customers.

A monopoly utility cannot survive if only the poor are expected to pay.

Payment Plans Exist

Parliament was also told that GEBE has payment arrangements in place.

For residential customers, the most common arrangement requires an upfront payment of 10 to 25 percent of the outstanding amount, with the balance payable over a maximum of 24 months. For seniors or customers who cannot afford the 10 percent upfront payment, arrangements can be based on payment capacity.

Commercial and industrial customers are generally required to pay 25 percent upfront, with the remaining balance spread over 12 to 24 months.

That means the issue is not whether people can negotiate. The issue is whether everyone is being treated equally.

No Free Ride for the Powerful

GEBE's financial problems did not appear overnight. The company is still recovering from a cyberattack, delayed billing, disputed accounts, fuel cost pressures, aging infrastructure, and years of governance instability.

But none of those changes one basic fact: electricity and water cost money to produce.

If politicians, influential persons, and business owners use their status to avoid payment, lobby for special treatment, or demand write-offs without funding the gap, then they are not defending the people. They are pushing the utility closer to collapse.

And if GEBE collapses, the burden will fall on the same people everyone claims to be protecting.

The Public Deserves the Truth

The public debate over relief must now include a harder question: how much of GEBE's crisis is caused by high fuel prices, and how much is caused by people simply not paying what they owe?

The government has said relief is possible, but only if it is lawful, financially responsible, and sustainable. Parliament was also told that tariff changes require verified cost data and that the government cannot simply impose measures that destabilize the utility.

That may not be the answer consumers want to hear, but it is the reality of running a national utility.

Publish the Categories

GEBE does not have to publish private personal information to give the country a clearer picture.

But it should disclose the categories of debt: residential, commercial, industrial, government, government-owned companies, and large delinquent accounts.

The public deserves to know whether the burden is borne by ordinary households or by large consumers hiding behind political noise.

A National Utility Cannot Run on Promises

The call for relief is real. Many families are struggling. Electricity bills are high. The fuel clause is under scrutiny. Consumers deserve transparency, fair treatment, and protection from billing errors.

But relief cannot become a slogan used to excuse non-payment by those who can afford to pay.

GEBE is a monopoly, but it is not a magic bank. It must buy fuel, maintain engines, pay workers, repair infrastructure, and keep electricity and water flowing.

If NAf. 184.7 million remains unpaid while public figures demand write-offs; then the country is not solving the GEBE crisis. It is deepening it.

The message should be clear: protect the vulnerable, investigate billing disputes, provide lawful relief where possible — but those who can pay must pay.

~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.