PHILIPSBURG:--- During Parliament’s Question Hour on Monday, the Prime Minister provided appeasing remarks on the Government’s plans for financial relief for consumers of GEBE. When questioned, the Prime Minister spoke vaguely about a ‘comprehensive’ evaluation of electricity and water tariffs needed to tackle the fuel clause, however offered no clear timeline for its completion. Only after this study is finalized can adjustments to the fuel clause be discussed, and then the process of ‘possibly’ granting an exemption on Turn Over Tax (TOT) to GEBE and SOL could be discussed. With no timeline on site, MP Ottley is deeply concerned, as the current legislation under the Minister of Finance and Minister of TEATT allows for executive decisions to be issued, granting immediate relief.
It has been over four (4) months since Member of Parliament Omar Ottley presented the motion. One key measure for immediate relief was to call on the Government of Sint Maarten to immediately remove the double TOT passed on from distributors to the consumer in the Fuel Clause, as this negatively affects all NV GEBE bills for both residential and commercial consumers.
Although the honorable Chairlady indicated that this form of double taxation is illegal, it continues to this day. SOL continues to transfer the TOT onto GEBE, which in turn passes the cost onto the public, further burdening consumers. Additionally, the Government is factoring these costs into its fuel clause prices, exacerbating the financial strain on residents and businesses.
Notably, during the same parliamentary session, it was revealed that the Minister of Finance had not initiated the process for a TOT exemption for GEBE or SOL, casting further doubt on the Government’s commitment to providing relief.
The Prime Minister has also hinted at potential renegotiations with Seven Seas, a company that has provided reliable water services to the community for over 20 years. While Seven Seas has been a trusted partner, MP Ottley emphasizes the need for a new Request for Proposal (RFP) process to ensure that the best possible rates are secured for the people.
With the Government’s lack of urgency and transparency on these critical issues, the public remains in limbo, awaiting definitive action to address the rising costs of electricity and water.
