PHILIPSBURG: --- Jeffreyson Paris's appointment as the new Chief Operations Officer (COO) for NV GEBE, the government-owned utility company, has ignited a heated debate over corporate governance and decision-making processes. The move, taken during Tuesday’s Council of Ministers (COM) meeting last week, has raised eyebrows due to controversy surrounding the selection process and the absence of key ministers.
Ministers’ Absence Raises Questions
Key deliberations regarding the COO position took place in the absence of two crucial ministers, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), and Patrice Gumbs, Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI). Both were off-island during the meeting. Despite their absence, the Council of Ministers, led by Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, proceeded with the discussions.
The result was the appointment of Jeffreyson Paris, a Curaçao native, as COO, following a majority vote from the remaining ministers. Ministers Richinel Brug (VSA) and Marinka Gumbs (Finance) supported the decision, despite objections from Minister Nathalie Tackling (Justice) and Melissa Gumbs, Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports (ECYS). The absence of critical voices during the vote has sparked concerns over the transparency and inclusivity of the process.
It should be noted that the same three ministers who voted against the appointment of the late Troy Washington to the CEO also voted to appoint Paris as COO of the government-owned company.
Controversy Surrounding Paris’s Selection
Paris’s appointment has further fueled controversy because he did not participate in the rigorous interview and evaluation process administered by NV GEBE’s Supervisory Board of Directors (SBOD). Instead, his selection was reportedly championed by Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, who had previously delayed appointments to the company’s management board despite recommendations submitted nine months before the passing of Temporary Manager Troy Washington.
Paris, notably, was interviewed by a former SBOD in 2015 for the COO role but was neither selected nor appointed at that time. His selection over other candidates has reignited concerns about corporate governance and adherence to procedures within the utility company.
Corporate Governance Concerns and Local Talent
Criticism has mounted over the SBOD’s practices, with questions surrounding the limited number of candidates presented for executive roles. For the COO position, sources say only one name was submitted for deliberation, compared to a broader selection process for the CEO and CFO roles.
Adding to the controversy is the SBOD’s consideration of non-local candidates for pivotal roles. Critics argue that this undermines the development and recognition of homegrown talent. A local candidate with significant expertise, who previously led the Port Group of Companies and was listed as a contender for the CEO role, was reportedly overlooked. This perceived neglect of St. Maarten’s qualified professionals has sparked calls for prioritizing local expertise in leadership roles within essential institutions.
Leadership Challenges Following Troy Washington’s Passing
NV GEBE’s leadership challenges come in the wake of the unexpected passing of Temporary Manager and CEO Troy Washington on March 24th. Washington’s death left a leadership vacuum at a critical time for the utility company. Shortly after, Acting Prime Minister Heyliger-Marten and Minister Patrice Gumbs met with NV GEBE staff to address concerns and reassure employees, aiming to maintain stability.
Washington’s leadership was a stabilizing force during a tumultuous period, and his legacy is a key backdrop to the ongoing controversies surrounding the company’s governance.
Public Demands Transparency
The appointment of Paris has drawn public scrutiny and highlighted a deep divide within the Council of Ministers about NV GEBE's future direction. Many observers have called for enhanced transparency and stricter adherence to corporate governance norms, particularly concerning executive selection.
The unanswered questions about the SBOD’s vetting process and broader concerns about excluding local talent remain at the forefront of discussions. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on NV GEBE as it transitions into this new leadership phase to see how it addresses the challenges and concerns raised during this contentious chapter.
The public and stakeholders will closely monitor how NV GEBE navigates these issues and strives to rebuild trust in its leadership and governance practices.