Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina addressed pressing questions regarding the ongoing developments surrounding G.E.B.E., the utility company at the heart of recent discussions in Sint Maarten. The Prime Minister provided clarity on the relief measures being implemented and the progress in appointing the management board of N.V. G.E.B.E.

Relief Efforts for the Most Vulnerable

Dr. Mercelina began by outlining the steps being taken to provide relief to the most vulnerable members of Sint Maarten’s society. He highlighted that G.E.B.E. has allocated XCg 600,000 to assist those in need. This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Social Affairs Department of the Government of Sint Maarten.

Additionally, the Prime Minister announced that the government is working on introducing a household subsidy program to support the community further. "We are starting now with the preparation to see if we can, as I presented in Parliament, introduce a household subsidy to the community of Sint Maarten," he stated. The government plans to allocate between 5 to 6 million for this initiative, which is expected to provide relief over the next four to six months, depending on the constraints of the national budget.

Progress on Management Board Appointments

When asked about the status of the management board appointments for N.V. G.E.B.E., Dr. Mercelina provided an update on the ongoing process. He revealed that the government is in the final stages of appointing a candidate for the C-suite level of the company. "We are busy with accommodating the C-suite level of G.E.B.E. Coincidentally, in the coming two weeks, we are in the finalization of the appointment of one candidate for the C-level," he explained. However, the Prime Minister noted that it was still premature to disclose specific details about the appointments.

The Prime Minister’s updates reflect the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by G.E.B.E. and ensuring that relief measures reach those who need them most. While the financial constraints of the national budget remain a challenge, the introduction of a household subsidy program signals a proactive approach to supporting the people of Sint Maarten.

As the government finalizes the appointments for G.E.B.E.’s management board, the public can expect further updates in the coming weeks. These developments are critical to ensuring the stability and efficiency of the utility company, which plays a vital role in the daily lives of Sint Maarten’s residents.

Dr. Mercelina’s remarks underscore the government’s dedication to transparency and action as it navigates these complex issues. The people of Sint Maarten will undoubtedly be watching closely as these initiatives unfold.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, NAGICO was honored to welcome Ms. Sharlesha Vanterpool, our 2025 Still Beautiful Breast Cancer Survivor, for a special courtesy visit to our Head Office yesterday.

The introductory visit served as an intimate meet-and-greet with the Management and staff of NAGICO, the company she will represent at the upcoming Still Beautiful Play for a Cure Softball Tournament.

“We are humbled to welcome Sharlesha to our office today, and it served as a sobering and meaningful reminder to us all here at NAGICO of the strength, resilience, and hope embodied by survivors, “Tamisha Wigley, Operations Manager for St. Maarten, Saba & Statia, said.

Her visit was very engaging and informative, as staff members had the opportunity to hear personal stories of survival and learn more about ongoing efforts to support breast cancer awareness and advocacy.

“This visit is a powerful moment for our team,” said Lisa Brown, Market Research & Communication Sr. Manager. “It reinforces our commitment to supporting health initiatives in the community and standing in solidarity with those affected by breast cancer.”

The NAGICO team presented Sharlesha with a welcome token and applauded her for her bravery and strength in choosing to use this platform to share her journey and to advocate for Breast Cancer awareness.

The Still Beautiful Foundation is one of the local non-profit Breast Cancer organizations, which provides support to Survivors and their families through community outreach and awareness programs. NAGICO Insurances has been partnering with the Still Beautiful Foundation for over 5 years to participate in activities that promote education, early detection, and support for survivors.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a decisive move that underscores growing unease, Member of Parliament Darryl T. J. York has formally called for a parliamentary Question Hour, requesting transparency and a clear path forward for the government-owned telecommunications provider, TelEm.

The request, directed to the Honorable Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs, seeks to cut through the noise of contrasting public articles and lay bare the facts concerning TelEm's governance, financial health, and leadership. This session promises to be a pivotal moment for public clarity, following a turbulent period of restructuring that saw over 80 employees relieved of their jobs and left the nation questioning the stability of a critical utility.

“As the sole shareholder of TelEm, the government is the company's representative in Parliament. It is therefore to the government that we must turn for a clear and official account of its operations and strategic future.” MP York stated. The public is faced with a puzzle of conflicting reports about TelEm. They deserve a clear picture, not just for today, but for the long-term health of the service they depend on."

The upcoming Question Hour is set to tackle the most pressing issues head-on, including:

• The "Quickscan": What did the recently conducted operational review actually uncover? York is requesting that the results be made public and is asking for the government's concrete plan of action based on its findings.
• The Leadership Vacuum: Why has the appointment of a permanent CEO been stalled despite the search being completed? The absence of stable leadership (a complete management board)  at the helm raises serious concerns about strategic direction and accountability.
• Financial Oversight & Spending: In the wake of significant staff cuts, how are financial resources being managed? MPs will probe the travel expenditures of the management board and consultants, and seek to understand how many of the vacated positions are now filled with costly external consultants.
• The Contradictory Narrative: How does the government, as the primary shareholder, reconcile the conflicting reports from management and the union representatives regarding the company's true financial and operational state? This session aims to separate fact from fiction.

This is more than a procedural formality; it is a crucial intervention. TelEm is a cornerstone of St. Maarten's infrastructure, and its performance directly impacts the daily lives of citizens and the health of the economy.

“TelEm is too important to our people and our economy for there to be any uncertainty in its management and strategic planning,” York concluded. “Through this Question Hour, I hope to bring clarity, transparency, and renewed public confidence.”

PHILIPSBURG:---  The General Audit Chamber has released its report on the 2024 General Pension Fund (APS) financial statements.

The findings show that APS closed 2024 with a profit of ANG 43.2 million, compared to a loss of ANG 84.1 million in 2023. The coverage ratio improved to 114.1% (2023: 109.1%), the highest level since the fund’s inception. According to APS, this improvement was mainly due to international investment results and the increase of the actuarial interest rate from 3.75% to 4.0%.

While the coverage ratio reached a record high, the Audit Chamber notes that the fund still faces vulnerabilities. The current contribution rate of 18% does not fully cover costs, which means that investment returns play a material role in meeting obligations. In addition, local investments continue to experience delays and valuation challenges, and questions remain about the expected returns and risks. The Audit Chamber also notes that the Sint Maarten Investment Company (SMIC), which manages the local portfolio, has so far not delivered positive returns, adding to the uncertainty about the contribution of local investments to the fund’s long-term position.

The Audit Chamber’s recommendations mention increasing transparency regarding changes to the actuarial interest rate, improving reporting on local investments, strengthening accountability around SMIC’s performance, and presenting clear scenarios on the future of indexation.

The Audit Chamber acknowledges APS’s cooperation during the audit. The report is published in both English and Dutch and is available on the website of the General Audit Chamber (www.arsxm.org).