~Partnership creates seamless connections across the Caribbean and onward to Europe via Paris.~

ST. JOHN'S, ANTIGUA & BARBUDA:--- LIAT (2020) Limited (Liat Air) and Air Caraïbes today announced the signing of an interline agreement that will allow passengers of both airlines to travel seamlessly across the carriers' combined networks on a single ticket and a single point of purchase.
The agreement combines Liat Air's extensive intra-Caribbean network, connecting the Eastern Caribbean islands, Guyana, Jamaica Dominican Republic, Trinidad, Barbados and the wider region from its hub at V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua, with Air Caraïbes' regional services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, and its long-haul connection between the Caribbean and Paris-Orly.
Under the interline, customers will be able to book itineraries that combine flights operated by both airlines through travel agents and global distribution systems, with baggage checked through to their final destination. The arrangement removes the need for travelers to purchase separate tickets, re-check luggage, or pay duplicate fees when transferring between the two carriers.
“This agreement is an important step in delivering the kind of regional connectivity Caribbean travelers, tourism operators, and businesses have been asking for,” said Hafsah Abdulsalam, CEO, LIAT (2020) Limited. “By linking our networks with Air Caraïbes, we are making it significantly easier to move between the English-, French- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, and to connect from any of our island destinations onward to Europe through Paris. It is a meaningful expansion of what a ticket on Liat Air can take you to.”
“Travelling across the Caribbean should never mean navigating fragmented journeys or unnecessary complexity. Our ambition is simple: to bring territories closer together and make travel smoother for those who live, work, or travel across the region,” said Hugues Heddebault, Commercial Director of Air Caraïbes. “This partnership with Liat Air makes it easier to connect destinations across the Caribbean and provides more seamless access to Paris and Europe via our hubs in Pointe-à-Pitre and Fort-de-France. Beyond a commercial agreement, it reflects a strong conviction: a better-connected Caribbean is a more open, more accessible, and more dynamic Caribbean.”

Customer benefits of the interline include:
• A single ticket and itinerary covering travel on both Liat Air and Air Caraïbes.
• Through-checked baggage from origin to final destination.
• Access to a broader Caribbean network spanning the English-, French- and Dutch-speaking islands.
• Onward connections between the Caribbean and Paris-Orly via Air Caraïbes' long-haul services from Pointe-à-Pitre and Fort-de-France.
• Coordinated booking and ticketing through travel agents and global distribution systems.
Interline tickets will be available for sale through travel agents and authorised distribution channels with effect from 1st June 2026.
Both airlines highlighted the agreement's contribution to regional tourism and economic integration. By improving the ease and affordability of inter-island travel and providing direct access to European source markets, the partnership is expected to support increased visitor arrivals, business travel and the movement of Caribbean diaspora communities throughout the region.

𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦

NV GEBE wishes to provide customers with further clarification regarding the fuel clause reflected on the May 2026 electricity bills. As St. Maarten relies heavily on imported fuel for power generation, fluctuations in international fuel prices directly affect generation costs. These costs are provided to NV GEBE on a monthly basis by SOL Antilles N.V. (SOL Group), and are incorporated into the fuel clause calculation.

The fuel clause is not a new charge, nor has its calculation method been changed. It is a long‑standing, cost‑reflective mechanism that has formed part of NV GEBE’s approved tariff structure, by the Government of St. Maarten, for over 15 years. The mechanism allows actual fuel costs billed by SOL for electricity generation to be passed through monthly, using an established formula that has remained unchanged over time.

𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝

Electricity bills issued in May cover electricity consumed during the April–May consumption period and are calculated retroactively, depending on meter‑reading schedules and customer billing cycles. Fuel costs incurred during April are therefore reflected on the May invoices, in line with long‑established billing practices.

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 “𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞” - 𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞

The fuel clause amounts invoiced in May for XCG at 0.45 per kWh are for the April-May consumption period (as shown on your electricity bill). This increase does not reflect a tariff change or a management decision, but the standard calculation of the existing fuel clause formula. This is based on higher fuel costs incurred during April, 2026.

While NV GEBE issued advance communication to inform customers of the upcoming fuel clause level, this notice was not intended to suggest that the rate would apply only to future consumption, nor did it reflect any change in methodology. NV GEBE recognizes, however, that the distinction between invoice date and consumption period contributed to some public misunderstanding.

𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 & 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒇 𝑰𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔

We recognize that the global fuel crisis affects both the community we serve, our employees, and the company’s operations. As a community-minded organization, we understand the impact that these high fuel costs may have on our customers’ daily lives. However, we must also remain dedicated to ensuring the financial sustainability of the company and the continued delivery of reliable services.

We sincerely empathize with the challenges that many families or businesses may face during this time. To assist those in need, NV GEBE continues to offer various support initiatives, including available payment plans and senior relief programs. Customers are encouraged to visit our offices for further information and assistance.

Additionally, the social relief program remains available through our collaborative efforts with the Division of Labor Affairs and Social Services. For further assistance, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

𝑪𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑩𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒔

NV GEBE understands the economic pressures faced by households and businesses. While we make every effort to ensure that all bills are accurate, customers with questions or concerns regarding their bill(s) are encouraged to visit our Customer Care Department to request a detailed review, analysis, assessment and/or a payment arrangement.

𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝑼𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑩𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝑷𝒂𝒚𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔

NV GEBE encourages customers to make timely payments and remain as current as possible with their monthly utility bills to avoid accumulating large outstanding balances.

Customers who may be experiencing challenges are strongly encouraged to visit NV GEBE as early as possible to discuss available payment arrangements, assistance programs, and other support initiatives.

𝑵𝑽 𝑮𝑬𝑩𝑬'𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 & 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚

As St. Maarten’s utility provider, NV GEBE remains committed to working with the community to identify fair and productive solutions that support both customers' needs and the continued stability of essential utility services on the island. We are in this together! Through cooperation, understanding, and shared responsibility, we can collectively contribute to building a more sustainable future for the people of St. Maarten.

𝑮𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝑭𝒖𝒆𝒍 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔

While we continue to closely monitor global fuel developments and the situation in the Middle East, which is beyond NV GEBE’s control, we remain committed to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable electricity services to all customers.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲

We encourage all customers to practice energy conservation by turning off unused lights and appliances, using energy-efficient equipment, and limiting unnecessary electricity usage. Small changes in daily consumption can help reduce overall energy costs and support a more sustainable energy future for our community.

We thank our customers for your understanding, patience, and continued cooperation.

crisis affects

For further information, please contact NV GEBE:

Telephone: +1 (721) 546-1100 / 546-1160 / 542-2213 / 544-3100

WhatsApp: (721) 588-3117

The Dutch Caribbean Research Week (DCRW2026) proudly announces the keynote and plenary speakers. From 17 to 24 June 2026, leading voices from research, policy and society will come together for six thematic conference days across six Caribbean islands.
With the full programme now published on www.dcrw.nl, participants may explore an engaging week of keynote lectures, plenary sessions, panel discussions and cultural intermezzi, all centred on issues that matter to the Dutch Caribbean.
Keynote speakers
Across the six conference days, the following keynote speakers will deliver addresses that frame each day’s theme and stimulate dialogue between researchers, policymakers and societal partners:
• Drs. Stephanie Croes (Aruba)
• Dr. Soraya Verstraeten (Curacao)
• Drs. Elly Rojer (Bonaire)
• Drs. Oliver Klokman (Saba)
• Drs. Raymond Jesserun (Sint Maarten)
• Island Governor Alida Francis (Sint Eustatius)
The topics of keynote speakers can be found in the conference programme: www.dcrw.nl/speakers

Register for DCRW2026
Participation in the Dutch Caribbean Research Week 2026 is free of charge, but registration is required for both live and online attendance.
Register for DCRW2026 via www.dcrw.nl/registration

Explore the full programme
The complete programme for all six islands of DCRW2026 - including sessions, timings, keynote speakers and participation formats - is now available online.
View the full DCRW2026 programme on www.dcrw.nl/programme
About the Dutch Caribbean Research Week
The Dutch Caribbean Research Week 2026 (DCRW2026) is a free multi-day conference Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Saba, Sint Maarten and Sint Eustatius, aimed at providing a platform to bring researchers from the Caribbean science community together. This event is packed with lectures, panel discussions, cultural performances and networking opportunities. On 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24 of June 2026, the Dutch Research Council (NWO) organises the fifth Dutch Caribbean Research Week (DCRW2026).

Feel free to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions. We look forward to see you at DCRW2026!

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, together with the Ministry’s Management Team, recently received a presentation of a newly developed strategic dashboard platform as part of the Ministry’s ongoing modernization efforts.
The dashboard initiative forms part of Minister Brug’s broader priorities, as set out in the 2024-2028 Governing program, to improve efficiency within the Ministry and provide management and staff with better insight into the work being carried out across the various departments.
The platform is designed to strengthen strategic management, reporting, coordination, and compliance monitoring throughout the Ministry of VSA. It also aligns with the Minister’s focus on transparency, accountability, and more data-driven decision-making within Government.
Through the dashboard, department heads and management will have access to a clearer overview of departmental objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs), project progress, timelines, and both available and spent budgets.
During the presentation, Minister Brug and members of the Management Team provided feedback and recommendations which will now be incorporated into the next phase of the project before final implementation.
Minister Brug also thanked Secretary General Joy Arnell for spearheading the initiative and for her continued efforts to strengthen the Ministry and support management and staff despite the many broader challenges civil servants continue to face within Government.
“I am especially proud of this initiative, as the Ministry of VSA continues striving to be a trendsetter within Government through innovation, modernization, and the implementation of systems aimed at improving performance, oversight, and service delivery”, Minister Brug stated.
The Minister acknowledged that many of these operational challenges fall outside of the direct responsibility of the Ministry of VSA itself, but nonetheless continue to impact the daily functioning of Government and the ability of civil servants to optimally serve the public.
“Despite the challenges, our civil servants continue working hard to serve the people of Sint Maarten. Projects such as this are important because they provide management and staff with better tools, structure, and oversight to perform their duties more effectively. VSA must continue leading by example and showing that innovation and modernization within Government are possible,” Minister Brug stated.