PHILIPSBURG:--- For too long, the people of St. Maarten have faced uncertainty when they flip a light switch. The hum of a generator has become a familiar, sometimes dreaded, sound in our neighborhoods. But recent updates from the Prime Minister’s office suggest that a permanent solution is finally on the horizon.

During Wednesday’s press briefing, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina laid out a comprehensive roadmap for resolving the energy crisis. This isn't just about patching up old machinery; it is about securing a reliable future for the island's power grid.

This post breaks down the current situation, the funding secured from the Netherlands, and the rigorous steps being taken to ensure the new generators are purchased with transparency and accountability.

The Roots of the Crisis: Aging Infrastructure

To understand where we are going, we must first look at how we got here. The recent blackouts were not random events. They were the result of a power grid relying on obsolete technology.

Upon taking office, the Prime Minister discovered a startling reality: the country was being powered by generators that were over 28 years old. These machines had far exceeded their expected lifespan of 25 years. relying on equipment this old put the safety and security of the entire country in a vulnerable position.

The national utility company, GEBE, faced a critical challenge. They needed to replace these aging engines immediately but lacked the financial resources to make such a massive purchase on their own. This financial gap threatened to prolong the blackouts indefinitely.

Securing Funding: A Partnership with the Netherlands

Recognizing that the situation was unacceptable, the government stepped in to bridge the gap. The Prime Minister approached the Dutch government directly to seek assistance.

The argument was simple but urgent: a country cannot function without energy. The blackouts were creating a dangerous environment for citizens and businesses alike. The request was for a loan specifically earmarked for purchasing new generators.

The response from the Netherlands was swift. Within a week, a loan of 42 million US dollars was approved. Crucially, this loan was secured at a favorable interest rate of 2.43%, ensuring that the financial burden on St. Martin would be manageable in the long term.

The Energy Crisis Committee

With funding secured, the focus shifted to execution. Spending 42 million dollars of public money requires careful oversight. To manage this, the Prime Minister installed a specialized energy crisis committee.

This committee's role is pivotal. They are not just administrative placeholders; they are actively guiding the procurement process. Their responsibilities include:

• Advising the government: Providing expert input on the technical and financial aspects of the purchase.

• Negotiating with GEBE: Establishing clear agreements on how the new equipment will be integrated and managed.

• Ensuring Accountability: Overseeing the process to make sure every dollar is spent responsibly.

Status of the Request for Proposal (RFP)

Currently, the project is in a critical phase: the Request for Proposal (RFP). This is the formal document that invites companies to bid on selling the generators to St. Martin.

According to the latest update, the energy crisis committee and GEBE have reached an agreement on the content of the RFP. While it has not been sent out yet, it is being finalized. This document sets the standards for what St. Martin is buying, ensuring we get the best possible equipment for the best price.

Once the RFP is released, companies will submit their bids, and the selection process will begin.

Transparency and Legal Frameworks

A project of this magnitude demands strict legal and ethical standards. The government is currently finalizing the legal framework that will govern the relationship between the government (who took the loan) and GEBE (who will operate the generators).

This includes determining the conditions under which the government lends the equipment or funds to GEBE. These legal details are essential for a "responsible, transparent, and accountable" process. The goal is to ensure that the people of St. Martin can trust that this investment will solve the energy crisis for good, without hidden costs or mismanagement.

What This Means for You

While the generators have not been purchased yet, the funding is in the bank, and the paperwork is almost done. The process is moving from emergency management to strategic planning.

We will continue to monitor the progress of the RFP and the eventual purchase of the generators. For now, the takeaway is clear: the government has secured the means to fix the problem, and the wheels are in motion to bring stable, reliable energy back to St. Martin.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a significant move to address ongoing challenges and ensure robust leadership, the Council of Ministers has finalized several key appointments for two of the country’s critical organizations: Telem, the government-owned telecommunication company, and NV GEBE, the utility company. These appointments aim to bolster the supervisory and executive leadership of both entities, ensuring their continued operations and growth amid current challenges.

Telem: Strengthening the Supervisory Board

The Council of Ministers has appointed three new members to Telem’s Supervisory Board of Directors. This decision comes at a crucial time as the telecommunication company navigates a series of challenges. The appointments were made with a focus on financial expertise, economic acumen, and telecommunication experience to ensure the board is well-equipped to guide the organization forward.

The newly appointed members of Telem’s Supervisory Board are:

1. Mrs. Natasja van den Berg
2. Mrs. Jennifer Mohamed Jonis
3. Mrs. Maria Gonzalez

These individuals were selected for their strong financial backgrounds and relevant industry experience, ensuring that Telem benefits from capable, strategic leadership. The government emphasized the importance of a supervisory board to effectively oversee the company’s operations and provide guidance during this critical period.

Additionally, it was announced that a current Telem board member will resign in June 2026. To ensure a seamless transition, one of the newly appointed members will assume the role of board chair, further solidifying the leadership structure.

GEBE: Progress in C-Level Appointments

The government also provided updates on the leadership appointments for NV GEBE, the utility company. The process of appointing C-level executives has been ongoing, in recent months. These appointments are critical to addressing the operational and managerial challenges faced by the company.

Chief Operating Officer (COO) Appointment

The resolution appointing the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Jeffreyson Paris, has been signed and transmitted to the Supervisory Board of Directors. The newly appointed COO was selected from the pool of candidates who passed the final round of the recruitment process. This decision was made to avoid further delays and ensure the company has the leadership it needs to navigate its challenges.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Appointment

The process to finalize the appointment of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is also underway. The candidate, Wilco Seinen, for this position was duly selected and presented to the shareholders through the binding nomination procedure. The CFO nominee has already been engaged as a financial consultant to the company, ensuring continuity in financial management while the formal appointment process is completed.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Position

The CEO position has faced unique challenges. The preferred candidate for the role, Mr. Troy Washington, tragically passed away before his appointment could be finalized. Following his passing, the Supervisory Board appointed a temporary manager,

Thomas Roggendorf, who is currently overseeing the company’s operations. The temporary manager was originally the second binding nominee for the CEO position.

The government clarified that the process of appointing a permanent CEO is ongoing. The Supervisory Board had initially submitted two binding nominees for the CEO position, but one candidate withdrew, leaving the temporary manager as the acting leader. The government emphasized the importance of adhering to the articles of incorporation, which require the Supervisory Board to submit two binding nominees for each C-level position.

Supervisory Board of Directors

The Supervisory Board of Directors for GEBE currently consists of three members, with the term of one member nearing its expiration. To ensure compliance with the articles of incorporation, which mandate a minimum of three members, the government has identified and screened four candidates for appointment to the board. A draft resolution concerning their appointment will be circulated in the coming week for an advisory vote by the existing Supervisory Board members and the temporary manager.

The Corporate Governance Council has already provided positive advice on the appointments; the final steps are obtaining the advisory vote and completing the formal appointment process.

Commitment to Due Process

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Maricelina emphasized that the appointments to GEBE’s C-level positions and to the Supervisory Board are the result of a process initiated before his administration took office in May 2024. The government has respected the decisions and procedures established by the previous administration to ensure transparency and continuity.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that members of the current Supervisory Board were involved in the selection committee that identified and selected candidates for the respective C-level positions. This underscores the collaborative and procedural approach taken to ensure the best candidates are appointed.

Conclusion

The appointments for Telem and GEBE mark a significant step forward in addressing the leadership gaps and challenges faced by these critical organizations. With experienced professionals now in place or in the process of being appointed, the government aims to ensure stability, strategic oversight, and effective management for both entities.

These developments reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening public institutions and ensuring they are equipped to serve the nation effectively. As the final steps in the appointment processes are completed, the focus will remain on fostering strong leadership to guide Telem and GEBE through their respective challenges and into a sustainable future.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In his first press briefing of 2026, Prime Minister DR. Luc Mercelina extended warm New Year wishes to the people of St. Martin, emphasizing her hope for a healthy and prosperous year ahead. The Prime Minister, drawing on her background as a doctor, underscored the importance of health as a cornerstone for the nation’s well-being.

During the briefing, Prime Minister Mercelina provided updates on key developments affecting St. Maarten, particularly in the areas of regional security, border control, and international cooperation. He highlighted his recent meeting with the Netherlands' Minister of Defense, Mr. Ruben Brekelmans, during which several critical topics were discussed.

Regional Security and the Situation in Venezuela

The Prime Minister addressed concerns regarding recent developments between the United States and Venezuela, noting that the situation remains stable. He reassured the public that there are currently no indications of mass migration from Venezuela to St. Maarten or other Caribbean islands.

“At this particular moment, there is no direct or immediate threat to the security and safety of St. Maarten that demands extraordinary measures,” he stated. However, he emphasized the importance of vigilance, noting that the Kingdom of the Netherlands continues to closely monitor the situation and has contingency plans in place should circumstances change.

Border Control and Kingdom Preparedness

Border control remains a top priority for St. Martin and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Prime Minister Marcelina affirmed that St. Maarten continues to receive operational and strategic support to address any potential threats to its borders.

“Our border is not just a national concern for St. Maarten but a shared responsibility within the Kingdom,” he explained. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of preparedness to address potential migration, security, or humanitarian challenges that may arise in the future.

Cooperation with French Neighbors

The Prime Minister also touched on the strong and stable relationship between St. Maarten and its northern French neighbors. He noted ongoing collaboration in areas such as border control, security coordination, immigration management, and information sharing. This partnership, she said, is vital to ensuring the safety and stability of the island.

Military and Coast Guard Base in Philipsburg

One of the key announcements during the briefing was the progress on the construction of a military and Coast Guard facility in Philipsburg. Located next to Dock Maarten, this facility is in the final stages of preparatory work.

“This investment represents a long-term commitment to the safety and resilience of the people of St. Maarten,” Prime Minister Mercelina stated. The new base will enhance maritime security, improve disaster response capabilities, strengthen border surveillance, and support regional defense operations.

A Commitment to Vigilance and Cooperation

Prime Minister Mercelina concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to maintaining the safety and security of St. Maarten. He emphasized the importance of vigilance, collaboration, and preparedness in navigating regional challenges.

As St. Maarten enters 2026, the government remains focused on fostering stability, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.

PHILIPSBURG:--- During Wednesday's weekly press briefing, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina directly addressed the recent controversy involving the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Suenah Laville-Martis. The Prime Minister emphasized that the situation is an internal matter and underscored his administration's commitment to confidentiality, due process, and respect for established government protocols.

When asked about the feud involving his cabinet, the Minister of VSA, and the media coverage concerning the suspension or firing of the Chef de Cabinet, Dr. Mercelina was candid, stating, “That question I'm asking myself also. From my side, there has been no contact with any media outlet concerning giving any explanation of this recent development.”

He made it clear that the only public statement made so far originated from the board of the Unified Resilient St. Martin Movement (URSM) — his political party — and not from his office as Prime Minister. “One statement has been made and that has been made by the Board of the URSM. But that is only a board's position of my political party. But from my side as being the Prime Minister of this government, I have never sought contact with the media to give any declaration.”

Dr. Mercelina firmly reminded the public and the media that the matter “falls within the internal operation of the executive branch of government” and that it is crucial for society to recognize and respect the “strict standards of confidentiality, due process, and established administrative protocols.” He reinforced that not every internal issue should play out in the public or media sphere, saying, “Not every issue that arises should be litigated in the public domain. I think that is incorrect . . . for this Prime Minister, this government, it's important for me to state that those type of issues should not be litigated in the public domain.”

He expanded on this point by highlighting the values of discretion, professionalism, and discipline. “Effective governance depends not only on transparency... But I think there is something else that we call discipline, respect for internal processes, and of course, we must not forget also that it is equally important to uphold the dignity and privacy of those public servants that are involved in these matters.”

Addressing the core question on Laville-Martis’ employment status, Dr. Mercelina was unambiguous: “Was the person in question fired or suspended? The person in question was not fired. That is the answer that I can give you.”

The Prime Minister closed his remarks by stressing the importance of handling executive matters within the appropriate institutional framework, without speculation or unnecessary escalation, to safeguard both the integrity of government and the privacy of the individuals involved.