PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has drawn a hard line on the management of the Cg33 million allocated by the Netherlands for sustainable energy projects in St. Maarten, making it clear that NV GEBE will not receive a free pass when it comes to handling public funds.
In a firm statement, Dr. Mercelina declared that the funds earmarked for the purchase of new generators and other energy initiatives will be tightly controlled under government supervision. “This money will not just be wired to NV GEBE. It will always go in a supervised way, with accountability, timelines, and a significant plan of approach,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s comments come amid growing public frustration over inefficiencies and mismanagement at NV GEBE, the government-owned utility company. Dr. Mercelina made it clear that he will personally oversee the allocation of these funds, ensuring that every guilder is spent with transparency and purpose.
“When things go wrong at NV GEBE, the community comes to me. So, I'd better assume responsibility for this amount, too,” he stated, adding that the funds will not be handed over without a clear and measurable plan to deliver results.
The Prime Minister’s no-nonsense approach reflects a broader frustration with the lack of accountability in public utilities. “At the end of the day, it’s the people who contribute to us having energy. We will make sure that we have a supervised approach towards whatever funding goes to NV GEBE,” he said.
Dr. Mercelina’s stance signals a shift in how public funds will be managed, with a focus on efficiency, transparency, and delivering tangible benefits to the people of St. Maarten. His message to NV GEBE is clear: the days of unchecked spending are over.