PHILIPSBURG:--- The people of St. Maarten are tired of waiting. Tired of excuses. Tired of delays. As energy bills skyrocket and families struggle to make ends meet, the call for immediate action has never been louder. Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has made his position clear: relief is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Yet, despite his efforts, the people of St. Maarten remain trapped in a cycle of inaction, bureaucracy, and empty promises.
Months ago, the Prime Minister took a decisive step by commissioning RAC BTP to investigate the crippling energy costs. The resulting 40-page report offered actionable recommendations, including a proposed reduction of six to seven cents per kilowatt hour. This reduction, while modest, could provide much-needed relief to households drowning under the weight of exorbitant energy bills. But instead of embracing these solutions, NV GEBE has chosen to stall, citing financial instability and questioning the report’s findings.
This resistance from GEBE is not just disappointing, it is infuriating. While the company drags its feet, conducting its own redundant investigation, the people of St. Maarten are left to suffer. Prime Minister Mercelina himself has expressed frustration, stating that this issue should have been resolved “yesterday.” Yet, here we are, with no clear timeline, no concrete action, and no relief in sight.
GEBE’s Excuses Are Unacceptable
GEBE’s refusal to act on the RAC BTP recommendations is a slap in the face to the people of St. Maarten. The company’s insistence on conducting its own analysis is nothing more than a stalling tactic—a way to avoid making the tough decisions that leadership demands. Meanwhile, families are forced to choose between paying their energy bills and putting food on the table. This is not just a financial crisis; it is a humanitarian one.
The Prime Minister has made it clear that he will not back down. He has pressed GEBE for immediate updates on their internal investigation and has vowed to continue pushing for solutions. But words and meetings are not enough. The people of St. Maarten need action, and they need it now.
Misinformation and Distractions Must End
Adding insult to injury, misinformation has further muddied the waters. Members of Parliament have repeatedly claimed that there is “double taxation” on fuel, suggesting that this could be a source of relief. However, the Prime Minister has debunked this myth, clarifying that fuel used by GEBE for energy generation is exempt from turnover tax (TOT). This revelation exposes how false narratives have distracted from the real issue: the urgent need for lower energy costs.
Leadership Must Deliver
Prime Minister Mercelina’s passion and commitment are undeniable. He has shown a willingness to fight for the people of St. Maarten, even in the face of resistance from GEBE. But passion alone is not enough. The people need results. They need leadership that goes beyond words and delivers tangible relief.
The time for investigations, debates, and finger-pointing is over. St. Maarten is in crisis, and every day of delay deepens the suffering of its people. GEBE must stop hiding behind excuses and start acting in the best interest of the community it serves. And the government must hold them accountable, ensuring that relief is not just a promise but a reality.
The People Demand Action
The people of St. Maarten have waited long enough. They do not need more reports, more meetings, or more excuses. They need solutions. They need leadership. And they need it now.
Anything less is a betrayal of the trust placed in both GEBE and the government. The time for action is long overdue. The people of St. Maarten deserve better, and they will not wait any longer.