PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Sarah A. Wescot-Williams has submitted new correspondence to the government regarding the legal basis and current method of tariff setting for utility provider NV GEBE. Her latest questions were directed to either the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication (TEATT) or the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment & Infrastructure (VROMI), given the overlapping references in legislation concerning price-setting authority and the Electricity Ordinance.

MP Wescot-Williams explained that her inquiries focus on identifying which minister is legally responsible for establishing electricity tariffs under the law, and whether the required national decree (LBHAM) governing those tariffs exists. She emphasized that the concession law for GEBE explicitly refers to tariffs, and does not exclude the fuel clause, meaning that the fuel clause charged to consumers may also need to be set by government decree.

“I want to ensure that I get a solid grasp of this matter in terms of the existence of the decree establishing all tariffs for GEBE, including the fuel clause. If no such decree exists, then I want to know how these tariffs are currently charged,” she stated.

The MP has requested that her questions be answered in a public Question Hour of Parliament, underscoring the importance of transparency in utility pricing.

In earlier correspondence, MP Wescot-Williams sought clarification from the Prime Minister on the concept of a social tariff for GEBE customers. She referenced the concession law, which allows the government to deviate from established tariffs on social grounds, as established by law.

However, she noted that if the government sets tariffs below GEBE’s production costs, the law requires the government to compensate the company for the difference.

In connection with this, she reiterated a previous suggestion that such compensation could be funded through the concession fee paid by GEBE, which is itself part of the company’s operational expenses.

Once the government provides full clarity on:
• the most recent decrees establishing tariffs,
• the legal basis for the fuel clause, and
• the position on social tariffs,
MP Wescot-Williams intends to table a draft amendment to the Electricity Concession Law.
This amendment would establish a structural, legal basis for social tariffs, including:
• lower tariffs for vulnerable households,
• special categories for social institutions such as schools, and
• guidelines for how government compensation to GEBE should be structured.

She reiterated the urgency of addressing the matter:

“I hope that the Question Hour can be scheduled before year’s end so we can move toward a structural basis for government-set tariff categories, including social institutions and residents who are most in need.”
MP Wescot-Williams awaits:
• the Prime Minister’s response regarding social tariffs, and
•
The responsible minister’s explanation of the legal establishment of current tariffs, including the fuel clause.

Following these responses, she is prepared to proceed with the draft amendment. “Concluding her statement, the MP reaffirmed that lasting, structural amendments to existing laws can only be achieved through close cooperation with the government—hence her ongoing engagement with the responsible ministries.”

PHILIPSBURG:---  Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina will be travelling to the Netherlands from December 6–13, 2025, as part of a previously scheduled working visit that remains a priority for Sint Maarten. The importance of this mission has increased following a meeting held this afternoon with the Prime Ministers of Curaçao, Mr. Gilmar Pisas, and the Prime Minister of Aruba, Mr. Mike Eman. During that consultation, Prime Minister Mercelina was mandated by his colleagues to represent all three Prime Ministers of the Netherlands, ensuring that he would be on the ground to receive first-hand information on ongoing developments between the United States and Venezuela.

“Given the evolving landscape in our region, Sint Maarten must remain actively engaged at the highest diplomatic levels. My presence in the Netherlands is essential to ensure that our country’s security, safety, perspectives, and priorities are clearly represented,” stated Prime Minister Mercelina; hence my scheduled meeting with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr. Dick Schoof, coming Monday, December 8, 2025.

The working visit also follows earlier bilateral discussions in New York with Kingdom partners, where cooperation, preparedness, and international developments were among the main topics. Reflecting on the broader regional dynamic, the Prime Minister added, “Considering Aruba and Curaçao’s geographical proximity to areas of heightened concern, it is understandable that my colleagues may face constraints in attending certain sessions in person. Their continued participation through official representatives allows our shared work to continue effectively and cohesively.”

During the visit, Prime Minister Mercelina will take part in a full program of strategic engagements, including consultations with the Minister Plenipotentiary in The Hague discussions with the VNG, and other high-level multilateral meetings. He also intends to meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Mr. van Weel, to address international matters and developments relevant to the Kingdom, as well as the ongoing tension in the Caribbean.

In addition to these governmental engagements, the Prime Minister will participate in the Inter-Expo conference in The Hague, which will focus on the future prospects of the Kingdom of the Netherlands 15 years after 10/10/10. During this three-day conference, he will contribute to panel discussions alongside regional leaders and experts, including former Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende en Mr. Ernst Hirsch Ballin. He will also deliver a keynote address focusing on the constitutional autonomy.
The Government of Sint Maarten will continue to provide updates as the Prime Minister’s working visit progresses.

HARBOUR VIEW, PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday, December 4, 2025, His Excellency Governor Ajamu Baly of Sint Maarten welcomed His Excellency Governor Alfonso Boekhoudt of Aruba and His Excellency Governor Mauritsz de Kort of Curaçao to Sint Maarten.
The Governors’ visit is in connection with the scheduled activities commemorating the historic milestone of the 50th Anniversary celebration of Saba Day, taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025. The official Saba Day ceremony will be held in The Bottom, Saba, beginning with an Ecumenical Service, followed by the Hoisting of the Saba Flag, a Cultural Parade, and the Official Ceremony, concluding with a grand toast.
Following the day’s formal program, the delegation will partake in a separate private program on the island of Saba before returning to Sint Maarten. Their joint presence underscores the close ties among the islands and highlights the spirit of unity within the Dutch Caribbean.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Egbert J. Doran has written to the Minister of VROMI, Mr. Patrice Gumbs, requesting an update on the current status of road repairs, ongoing projects, and the use of funds that were previously secured for the improvement of the country’s infrastructure. The MP highlighted that approximately 2 million guilders from the CAPEX 2023 allocation, secured during his tenure as Minister of VROMI, should still be available for both the hard-surfacing of side roads and the general upgrade and upkeep of the national road network. He stated that the public deserves clarity on how far these works have progressed and what remains outstanding.
MP Doran explained that the hard-surfacing project initiated during his time in office, which he developed together with the dedicated team at VROMI, is especially close to his heart because it focused on finally addressing long-neglected side roads in several neighborhoods across the island. These were roads that had not seen proper attention in decades. He noted that the funding secured in CAPEX 2023 was specifically intended to allow the current administration to continue this work without interruption.
Additionally, the MP has asked Minister Patrice Gumbs for information on the annual bidding process for road repair and maintenance, specifically whether the tender for the 2026 cycle has already been executed, and if not, when it will be published.
MP Doran’s inquiries further include the status of the bidding process for stormwater pumps, which are essential for managing heavy rainfall and reducing the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas. He has asked Minister Gumbs whether this tendering process has been completed, which companies participated, and what the next steps will be.
The MP also asked the Minister to provide the list of completed roads, the number of pending roads, and whether any roads had been removed from the original project plan. He further requested updated timelines for commencement and completion of each location, especially in cases where projected dates had already elapsed.
MP Doran pointed out that during his tenure as Minister of VROMI, while larger projects were being prepared, workmen were still dispatched to patch potholes in the interim. This approach helped keep certain areas safe and reasonably passable until more complete solutions could be put in place. He observed that this form of temporary maintenance appears to have slowed down since he left office, and he has asked Minister Gumbs whether there is a particular reason for the change.
Toward the end of his statement, MP Doran noted that while every ministry faces challenges, the country cannot afford extended slowdowns in basic infrastructure work without explanation. He stressed that residents are increasingly frustrated with deteriorating road conditions and should get clear answers on when improvements will be delivered. “People are tired of guessing. They want straightforward information and visible progress. As an MP, it is my responsibility to follow up and ensure that the commitments made and the funds allocated are translated into real action,” he said.
Lastly, he expressed hope that the information provided by Minister Gumbs will give residents a clearer understanding of the work already completed and what they can expect in the period ahead.