PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina addressed several matters of public concern during Wednesday’s Council of Ministers press briefing, focusing on a factual review conducted within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) and recent developments at utilities company NV GEBE.
Dr. Mercelina stated that following public allegations concerning the VSA Ministry, he requested a factual review by the ministry’s administration to determine whether any formal complaints, reports, documented concerns or official allegations had been submitted through established channels.
According to the Prime Minister, the review conducted by the Secretary-General of VSA found no formal complaints, no official reports, no documented allegations and no requests for intervention through the ministry’s established procedures. He said the findings distinguish between public speculation and verified facts, emphasizing that allegations should be supported by evidence and addressed through proper procedures.
Responding to media questions about whistleblower protections and whether additional investigations would be conducted, Mercelina noted that the Integrity Chamber is expected to conduct its own investigation into the matter. He stressed that the government supports the right of civil servants to raise concerns without fear of retaliation and said safeguards remain in place to encourage reporting through appropriate channels.
The Prime Minister also rejected suggestions that he should not serve as Acting Minister of VSA. He explained that ministerial replacement arrangements were established by a national decree upon the formation of the government and that he is acting in accordance with the previously approved arrangements.
Turning to developments at NV GEBE, Mercelina confirmed that the temporary manager, Thomas Ruggendorf, had resigned and that the financial consultant, Wilco Seinen, had ended his consultancy arrangement at his own request. He further explained that negotiations with a potential Chief Operations Officer candidate did not result in an agreement because compensation could not exceed limits established under St. Maarten’s top-income legislation.
As a result, the GEBE Supervisory Board has decided to reopen the recruitment process for the company’s executive leadership positions, including Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Chief Operations Officer (COO). The Prime Minister said the process will be conducted by an independent professional recruitment firm to ensure transparency, fairness, and credibility.
Mercelina also expressed confidence in temporary manager Iris Arrindell, describing her as experienced, knowledgeable, and capable of maintaining stability while the recruitment process moves forward.
Addressing public concerns about foreign involvement in GEBE’s management, the Prime Minister noted that the previous temporary manager had originally been selected through a recruitment process conducted by BDO under the former government. He said his administration simply continued an existing process during the national energy crisis to ensure continuity of service.
“We have to move forward,” Mercelina said, emphasizing that the focus remains on securing qualified leadership and ensuring reliable electricity and water services for the people of St. Maarten.