~A Partnership for the Community: The NV GEBE & Social Services Pilot Program~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Many households face the challenge of managing monthly expenses, and utility bills can be a significant part of that financial pressure. To address this, NV GEBE and the Government of Sint Maarten's Division of Labor Affairs & Social Services have launched a joint pilot program. This one-year initiative is designed to provide direct financial relief to vulnerable members of the Sint Maarten community struggling with their utility costs.

The program, which runs from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2026, aims to support the well-being of residents by making essential services more accessible. It establishes a coordinated framework between two key organizations to deliver meaningful assistance where it's needed most. This article will walk you through the program's objectives, who is eligible, how to apply, and the benefits it offers.

Program Goals and How It Works

The primary goal of the NV GEBE & Social Services Pilot Program is to provide financial aid to individuals and families who find it difficult to keep up with their utility payments. By easing this burden, the program helps promote stability and well-being within the community.

Assistance is provided through a straightforward voucher system. Approved applicants will receive monthly vouchers from Social Services. These vouchers have a monetary value and can be used to pay for a portion of their NV GEBE utility bill. The maximum assistance an individual can receive is XCG 250.00 per month, though the exact amount is determined based on household size and income level. When paying a bill, the recipient simply presents the voucher at any GEBE office, and its value is deducted from the total amount due.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

This program is specifically for residents of Sint Maarten who are experiencing financial hardship. To qualify, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• You must be a private individual, not a business or other legal entity.

• You must have an active utility account with NV GEBE registered in your name.

• You must be a legal resident of Sint Maarten and be registered with the Civil Registry.

• You must be an existing financial aid recipient from Social Services or be able to demonstrate a clear need for financial relief.

It's important to note that businesses, vendors, tradespeople, and sole proprietors are not eligible for this program. The relief is intended for personal, residential utility accounts only.

The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for the utility relief program is managed entirely through the Division of Labor Affairs & Social Services. Following these steps will help ensure your application is processed correctly.

1. Contact Social Services

The first step is to get in touch with Social Services to request an application form and a list of the required documents. You can do this in person or by email. All inquiries about your application status should be directed to Social Services, not NV GEBE.

2. Gather Your Documentation

Submitting a complete and accurate application is crucial. You will typically be asked to provide the following documents:

• A valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport, driver’s license, or national ID card).

• Your immigration or residence permit, if applicable.

• Proof of your address (a recent utility bill or lease agreement works well).

• Your last three months of GEBE utility bills.

• Proof of income for your household.

• Medical documentation if you are claiming medical hardship.

Providing false information can lead to disqualification from the program and potential legal consequences.

3. Submit Your Application

Once you have completed the form and gathered all necessary documents, submit them to Social Services. The department will then review your information to assess your eligibility. This process may include a home visit to verify your circumstances.

4. Await a Decision

Social Services has the sole authority to determine eligibility. If your application is approved, you will be notified and enrolled in the program for the next voucher distribution cycle. Keep in mind that submitting an application does not guarantee approval.

Maintaining Your Eligibility

The pilot program is designed to provide support for its entire one-year duration to those who remain eligible. To ensure the assistance continues to reach those most in need, Social Services will conduct a reassessment of every participant every two months.

During this review, you may be asked to provide updated documentation to confirm your situation has not changed. You can be removed from the program if you no longer meet the eligibility criteria, fail to provide the required documents for review, or are found to be misusing the program. Vouchers are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.

Take the Next Step

If you are struggling to pay your utility bills and believe you may qualify for this program, you are encouraged to apply. This partnership between NV GEBE and the Government of Sint Maarten is is a valuable resource for our community.

To begin the application process or to ask questions about your eligibility, please contact the Division of Labor Affairs & Social Services.

• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Address: Soualiga Road #1, Pond Island

• Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Do not hesitate to reach out and see if this program can provide the support you need.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Finance, Marinka J. Gumbs Invites the Community to a Dynamic Financial Literacy Discussion Featuring the Bankers Association
The Ministry of Finance is pleased to announce an important and interactive financial literacy event on November 30, hosted by the Minister of Finance, Marinka J. Gumbs, in honor of Financial Literacy Month.
To bring clarity to the many financial questions raised by the public, Minister Marinka Gumbs has invited representatives of the Bankers Association to join a community-focused panel discussion. This session creates a rare opportunity for residents to engage directly with banking professionals and get real answers to real concerns.
“Many citizens have reached out to me about banking issues, from loans to fees to day-to-day financial challenges. I wanted to bring the experts to you so your voices can be heard and your questions addressed openly,” said Minister Marinka Gumbs.
Participants will gain practical insights, guidance, and a better understanding of how financial systems and banking services affect their daily lives. Whether you are seeking clarity, empowerment, or simply want to build stronger financial skills, this event is designed with you in mind.
Register now: www.finlitsxm.com
Walk-ins welcome on event day
Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your financial knowledge and engage directly with the professionals who help shape our financial landscape.

PHILIPSBURG:---Member of Parliament Sarah A. Wescot-Williams has written once again to Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, following up on her August 17, 2025, letter regarding GEBE’s governance, electricity relief, and consumer protection.

In her August correspondence, MP Wescot-Williams urged the government to urgently address the ongoing electricity and billing crisis by merging the findings of GEBE’s internal assessments with the government-commissioned relief report. She also called for the implementation of key measures such as:
• A means-tested social tariff for electricity and water;
• Temporary waiver of the concession fee to enable consumer relief; and
• Legislation to establish an independent electricity and water regulator to ensure transparency and protect consumers.

“Nearly three months later,” Wescot-Williams stated, “we have seen some developments, including Minister Brug’s announcement of a social relief initiative and GEBE’s senior relief plan. These steps are commendable, but they remain short-term fixes. The average consumer is still struggling with high bills, billing confusion, and no clear sense of when true stability will return.”

The MP reiterated that what is now required is a more sustainable and equitable approach, one that balances immediate social support with long-term affordability, governance, and accountability.

“Relief must go beyond temporary payments or discounts,” Wescot-Williams emphasized. “It should include proper tariff regulation, consumer protection, and transparency in how costs are calculated and passed on. Until we address those fundamentals, consumers will continue to bear the brunt of inefficiencies.”

The MP noted that GEBE remains a vital national utility and that respect for corporate governance principles must remain central to restoring public trust and operational stability.

“As I said in August, the focus must return to the real issue, affordable and reliable electricity for every household,” she said. “I therefore urge the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers to move beyond ad hoc relief and deliver a coherent, sustainable plan for energy security and consumer protection.”

MP Wescot-Williams reaffirmed her support for all efforts that genuinely ease the burden on residents, while calling for greater transparency, faster implementation, and lasting reforms to ensure fair and affordable utility services for the people of Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday, November 28, 2025, shortly after noon, members of the Special Robbery Unit of the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) arrested suspect E.Z.B. in connection with the armed robbery that took place on July 9th, 2025, at approximately 17:20, at Splash Jewelry located in the Simpson Bay Resort & Marina on Billy Folly Road #37.
The suspect is being investigated for his alleged involvement as part of a group believed to be responsible for this robbery. Detectives are continuing their investigation to determine the full extent of his role and to identify any additional suspects linked to the incident.
KPSM remains committed to ensuring community safety and will continue to pursue all individuals involved in criminal activities.

KPSM Press Release.