St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

A Question of Governance: Unpacking the Contradictions at GEBE

PHILIPSBURG: --- The ongoing saga at St. Maarten's utility company, GEBE, has raised serious questions about corporate governance, transparency, and the proper role of the government as a shareholder. While Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has publicly emphasized an "arms-length" approach, recent actions by the Council of Ministers paint a conflicting picture, suggesting direct intervention rather than principled oversight. This has created a cloud of uncertainty over the company's leadership and its ability to serve the public effectively.
At the heart of this issue lies GEBE's own Articles of Incorporation. Specifically, Article 12 outlines the responsibilities of the Supervisory Board, which is the SBOD of GEBE. Point 2 grants the SBOD the authority to provide "general directions" concerning the company's policies, while Point 11 specifies the role of "supervising" the management. These clauses are designed to ensure that the SBOD can guide the company's strategic direction and hold its leadership accountable without becoming entangled in its day-to-day operational affairs. This principle of separation is fundamental to sound corporate governance.
However, the Prime Minister's recent actions appear to challenge this very principle. Despite publicly stating that the shareholder's role is one of oversight, not direct management, Dr. Mercelina and the Council of Ministers voted to appoint Jeffreyson Paris as the new Chief Operations Officer (COO). This move directly contradicts the notion of an arms-length relationship. Instead of allowing the established corporate structure, namely the Supervisory Board of Directors (SBoD), to manage executive appointments, the government appears to have inserted its preferred candidate into a key operational role.
This decision is made more concerning by the fact that the SBoD had reportedly submitted its own list of candidates for director positions nearly a year ago. Those appointments have yet to be finalized, leaving critical leadership roles in limbo. The government's decision to bypass this process and install its own choice for COO sends a troubling message: that established corporate procedures can be sidestepped at will. This not only undermines the authority of the Supervisory Board but also introduces political considerations into what should be purely operational decisions.
The implications of this governance crisis are far-reaching. For a company as critical as GEBE, stable and independent leadership is essential. The constant delays in appointments and apparent political maneuvering create a leadership vacuum that can paralyze decision-making and hinder progress on urgent issues. For years, residents and businesses have complained about inaccurate billing and the inability to receive invoices, sometimes for periods extending over two years
A company struggling with such fundamental operational challenges requires a steady, empowered management team, not one subject to the shifting winds of politics.
When the government blurs the lines between shareholder oversight and operational meddling, it erodes trust—not just within the company, but also among the public it serves. Consumers who have patiently waited for resolutions to their billing issues are now left to wonder if the company's leadership is focused on fixing these problems or on navigating internal politics.
Moving forward, a firm commitment to the principles outlined in GEBE's own Articles of Incorporation is essential. The government must respect the role of the Supervisory Board and allow it to function as intended. Appointing qualified directors based on merit and experience, free from political influence, is the first step toward restoring stability and credibility. Transparency, accountability, and a genuine adherence to corporate governance are not optional—they are the only way to ensure GEBE can effectively and reliably serve the people of St. Martin.

KPSM Launches A Full Fledged Investigation into Armed Robbery Involving Impersonation Of Police Officers – Urgent Call for Public Assistance.

kpsmimpersonator12032025 PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten is treating with the highest level of urgency and severity an armed robbery that occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, November 30, 2025. This criminal act represents not only a violent crime against a member of our community but a direct assault on public trust and the integrity of law enforcement in Sint Maarten.
While KPSM issued an initial press release regarding this incident, the exceptional sensitivity and gravity of this case demand that we reach out to the community once more with renewed urgency. The deliberate impersonation of police officers during the commission of a violent crime is an attack on the very foundation of public safety in Sint Maarten.
As indicated in an earlier press release, just before midnight on November 30, 2025, Central Police Dispatch received multiple reports of an armed robbery at the Madame Estate Shopping Center. A business owner was confronted and robbed while returning home. The suspect stole keys and personal valuables and committed the crime while deliberately wearing a yellow-and-blue polo-style shirt virtually identical to official KPSM police uniforms.
Following the attack, the suspect fled the scene in a small white vehicle, heading toward A.Th. Illidge Road.
KPSM views the impersonation of police officers during the commission of a violent crime as one of the most serious offenses against our society. This act undermines the sacred bond between law enforcement and the community we have sworn to protect. The damage to public confidence is immeasurable, and we will not rest until this criminal is brought to justice.
All available investigative resources have been mobilized. Our detectives are working intensively to identify and apprehend the suspect.
An internal investigation is also underway to account for every KPSM uniform. An inventory is being conducted to determine if any official uniforms have been stolen, compromised, or are missing.
Due to the extreme sensitivity of this case and its impact on public trust, KPSM is making a direct and urgent appeal to every member of our community.
The safety of our community and the integrity of your police force depend on swift action. WKPSM is calling on every resident, business owner, and visitor who may have ANY information about this crime to come forward:
• Did you see ANYTHING suspicious near Madame Estate Shopping Center between 09.00 pm and 00.00 a.m. on November 30?
• Do you have information about a small white vehicle fleeing the area?
• Do you have surveillance footage from the area during that time period?
Please contact KPSM immediately: Police Station: +1 721-542-2222 Emergency Line: 9-1-1, Anonymous at Tip Line: 9300

KPSM Press Release.

NAPB Police Union Condemns Use of Police Uniform to Commit Unlawful Acts.

~Internal Investigation Already Underway.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Nationale Algemene Politie Bond (NAPB) unequivocally condemns the alleged use of a police uniform and/or equipment to engage in unlawful activities. Such actions, if confirmed, represent a grave breach of public trust and stand in direct opposition to the values, ethics, and responsibilities upheld by our members and the law enforcement profession as a whole.
The NAPB is committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of conduct. We fully support the immediate launch of an internal investigation to determine the facts surrounding this incident. Any individual found to have misused the police uniform, authority, or public confidence for criminal purposes must be held fully accountable under the law.
“Misrepresentation of law enforcement undermines the integrity of every officer who serves honorably,” said President of NAPB, Marcus Pantophlet. “We will not tolerate behavior that jeopardizes community trust or compromises the safety of the public.”
NAPB remains steadfast in its commitment to ethical policing, community partnership, and maintaining the highest standards expected of those who wear the uniform.

Member States of the OECS Make Strong Showing at the MEDays Forum 2025.

The 17th Edition of the MEDays Forum, held from November 26–29, 2025, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, convened world leaders at a critical moment of geopolitical uncertainty. Organised under the theme “Fractures and Polarization: Reinventing the Global Equation,” the Forum featured a distinguished delegation from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), including Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, The Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, and The Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada. Their participation was partly facilitated by the Embassies of the Eastern Caribbean States in the Kingdom of Morocco, reflecting a growing commitment to deepening cooperation with the African continent.

The MEDays Forum is widely recognised as one of Africa’s leading policy platforms, particularly as Morocco advances major initiatives such as the Atlantic Initiative and broader development strategies across the continent. This year’s theme resonated strongly with current global dynamics defined by fractured multilateralism, rising polarization, economic headwinds, and accelerating climate impacts. For the Caribbean delegation, these issues are deeply relevant, as small island developing states remain highly vulnerable to systemic global disruptions.

Prime Minister Mitchell, speaking at the opening ceremony and later on the Africa–Atlantic Cooperation panel, emphasised that for small island states the impacts of climate change and global instability are not abstractions but lived experiences that repeatedly disrupt development. He urged a revitalised multilateral system and noted that the historic Africa–Atlantic–Caribbean trade route, once defined by the trauma of the transatlantic slave trade, should now be reimagined as a modern pathway of partnership, purpose, and shared opportunity.

In the closing ceremony, President Burton and Prime Minister Browne delivered complementary reflections grounded in their national experiences. President Burton drew on Dominica’s Kalinago heritage to highlight the wisdom of indigenous knowledge and the importance of mutual respect and cultural understanding in solving today’s challenges, stressing the need for coordinated action and accessible finance for vulnerable states. Prime Minister Browne spoke candidly about the mounting “poly-crisis” constraining small islands, calling for urgent financial reform, vulnerability-based metrics, and the meaningful inclusion of small states in decisions on climate, trade, technology, and security. Together, their interventions expressed a distinctly Caribbean call for global solidarity, equity, and a more responsive and resilient global order.

His Excellency Ian M. Queeley, Ambassador of the Embassies of the Eastern Caribbean States in Rabat, expressed satisfaction with the strong OECS showing at MEDays 2025. He noted that the participation of high-level Caribbean officials demonstrates the region’s recognition of Africa as a strategic partner and added that the Forum provided a valuable opportunity for OECS leaders to engage Moroccan officials and explore new avenues of cooperation. He reaffirmed the Embassies’ commitment to continued collaboration with MEDays organisers to ensure sustained and high-quality OECS participation.

The contributions of the OECS delegation underscored the critical role small states must play in shaping global transformation. Their presence reaffirmed the Caribbean’s commitment to strengthening Africa–Caribbean cooperation and contributing to a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient global order.

Medwork B.V. Hosts First Re-integration Workshop

PHILIPSBURG:--- Medwork B.V. hosted its first Reintegration Workshop on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the University of St. Martin. The afternoon event was well attended, drawing more than 40 Human Resource practitioners who are often responsible for ensuring the successful reintegration of staff members returning from medical leave. Jeffrey "Dr. Soc" Sochrin of Island 92 (91.9) FM served as the event's moderator.

Dr. Joanne Siebel, the workshop organizer, brought together a full team that understands the importance of successful, holistic employee reintegration. Speakers included Attorney Jojanneke Deelstra, Dr. Joanne Siebel, Human Resource Professional Adelena Chandler, and Reintegration Coach Lenneke Sandkuijl. Each addressed the seminar attendees on their respective areas of expertise as they relate to effective employee reintegration. The team also introduced the first “Guideline for Reintegration,” designed to help Human Resource professionals and managers achieve successful reintegration. This guideline outlines the reintegration process for employees returning to work after illness or injury, in accordance with Sint Maarten’s labor laws. It provides employers, employees, and advisors with a clear approach to reintegration, emphasizing mutual responsibilities, legal obligations, and structured interventions. Key topics include the reintegration process, the employer's and the employee's obligations, exceptional circumstances, and practical guidelines for compliance with reintegration duties. This guideline was provided to all attendees.

Dr. Siebel stated, “We are quite pleased with the turnout for this first session on reintegration, and we look forward to delivering other seminars in the future to promote occupational health and well-being on Sint Maarten”.