PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Civil Servants Union – Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU) wishes to express its deep concern regarding the persistent and disruptive power outages experienced across St. Maarten due to the ongoing challenges faced by GEBE, the island's sole electricity provider. As representatives of the hardworking men and women of this country, we find it necessary to voice the growing frustration and anxiety felt by our members and the wider workforce.
Despite assurances from the government that a solution is being sought and that the installation of new generators will soon bring this dilemma to an end, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. Our members, many of whom are civil servants and private sector employees, are struggling to perform their duties effectively under these increasingly challenging conditions.
The constant power interruptions are not only affecting the operations of businesses but are also taking a severe toll on the health and well-being of the workforce.
The lack of consistent electricity has led to countless sleepless nights for many workers. How can we expect our workforce to perform optimally if they are not getting sufficient rest? The ongoing power outages have severely disrupted the ability of employees to recharge and prepare for their workdays, leading to diminished productivity and heightened stress levels.
Furthermore, the extreme heat wave currently impacting the island only exacerbates the discomfort and health risks associated with these outages.
Even for those businesses that have invested in backup generators, the constant outages are causing wear and tear, leading to frequent breakdowns and further compounding the issue. The financial burden of these outages is being felt across all sectors, and our one-pillar economy is being stretched to its limits.
In these trying times, what the public—including our members—needs most is clarity. WICSU-PSU is calling on GEBE and the Government of St. Maarten to provide the public with detailed accurate and transparent information on how the transition to the “new” generators will occur. It is crucial that they provide a clear outline of what to expect during this period and the anticipated duration of the transition, so that both the workers and the general public can be adequately informed.
We are specifically requesting the release of an accurate load shedding schedule that clearly identifies the exact areas to be affected and the expected duration of these outages. The current schedule being shared is unreliable, with certain areas either excluded or affected without prior notice. Greater transparency in this matter will enable better planning and help alleviate some of the mental stress currently impacting our community.
It is vital that we move beyond assigning blame and focus on finding solutions. This is not a problem that appeared overnight, and it will not be resolved without a clear, strategic vision. As the proverb says, "Without a vision, the people perish." Right now, the people of St. Maarten are suffering—workers are on edge, tempers are flaring over minor issues, and the overall morale is plummeting. This situation is unacceptable, and decisive action is needed to restore normalcy. The well-being of our workers, the stability of our economy, and the over-all health of our community are all at stake.
