~Reopening recruitment for CEO, CFO, and COO positions reignites debate over local leadership at the utility company~
PHILIPSBURG:--- The government's decision to reopen recruitment for the top executive positions at NV GEBE has reignited a longstanding debate in St. Maarten: Why does the country continue to look abroad for leadership when local professionals have repeatedly been called upon to rescue the utility during its most difficult moments?
The discussion emerged prominently during Friday's GEBE press conference, where Temporary Manager Iris Arrindell, former CFO and current Facilities Manager Kenrick Chittick, and other members of the management team found themselves fielding questions not only about the utility's finances and operations, but also about its future leadership.
The issue came just days after Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina announced that the recruitment process for GEBE's three top executive positions — Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operations Officer (COO) — would be reopened.
For many in the community, the announcement raises more questions than answers.
ARRINDELL NOT INTERESTED IN TOP POST
One of the most revealing moments of the press conference came when Arrindell was asked whether she would apply for the CEO position once the recruitment process resumes.
Arrindell, who has served NV GEBE for more than 35 years and is expected to retire in 2027, made it clear that she is not interested in pursuing the position.
Having already stepped into leadership roles multiple times during periods of transition and crisis, Arrindell indicated that retirement remains her focus.
Her response effectively removes one of the company's most experienced executives from consideration and leaves the succession question unanswered.
The revelation is significant given Arrindell's role in steering the company through the aftermath of the 2022 cyberattack and the ongoing financial challenges facing the utility.
CHITTICK REFUSES TO RULE IT OUT
Former CEO Kenrick Chittick was also asked whether he would consider returning to the top position if approached.
Rather than providing a definitive answer, Chittick responded that he does not make major decisions without prayer and reflection.
A man known for openly expressing his Christian faith, Chittick told reporters that significant decisions are guided by prayer before any commitment is made.
His answer was interpreted by some as leaving the door open to a possible return, while others viewed it as a diplomatic way of avoiding speculation.
What is clear, however, is that Chittick remains one of the most experienced utility professionals on the island, having previously served as CEO and continuing to play a key role within the company's management structure.
ORAL GIBBES: "YOU ALL FIXED IT"
Perhaps the most emotional moment of the press conference came from former Supervisory Board member Oral Gibbes.
Addressing Arrindell, Chittick and the rest of the management team directly, Gibbes praised the group for repeatedly stepping forward when the company faced crisis.
Gibbes recalled the difficult years of 2015 and 2016, when GEBE was struggling with major operational challenges and public confidence in the utility had declined.
According to Gibbes, it was not foreign executives who stabilized the company during that period.
Instead, it was local professionals who already worked within the organization.
"You all fixed it," Gibbes told the management team.
"It's shameful that almost ten years later we're sitting here again seeing what this company is going through."
He commended Arrindell, Chittick, and other members of management for their dedication and commitment to the utility, describing them as professionals who love the company and have consistently put its interests first.
LOCAL TALENT OR FOREIGN RECRUITMENT?
Gibbes' comments reflect a broader sentiment shared by many residents who believe St. Maarten possesses qualified professionals capable of leading major institutions.
For years, critics have argued that local candidates are frequently overlooked in favor of foreign executives recruited at considerable expense.
Supporters of local leadership point out that many of the same individuals who were bypassed during previous recruitment exercises ultimately became the people responsible for stabilizing operations when leadership transitions failed or executives departed.
The argument is simple: if local managers are trusted to rescue the company during crises, why are they not trusted to lead it permanently?
COST OF RECRUITMENT UNDER SCRUTINY
The reopening of the recruitment process also raises questions about cost.
Over the years, GEBE has undergone multiple recruitment exercises for senior executive positions. Each process involves recruitment firms, consultants, interviews and administrative expenses.
Those costs come at a time when GEBE itself is facing significant financial challenges.
The company disclosed that only 58.6 percent of customers paid their bills in May 2026 and that more than 9,500 customers remain delinquent.
The company is also attempting to address aging infrastructure, secure funding for new generators and recover from the lingering effects of the 2022 cyberattack.
Against that backdrop, some residents are questioning whether another expensive international recruitment process is justified.
EXECUTIVE SALARIES A GROWING CONCERN
Concerns have also emerged regarding the compensation packages often associated with foreign executive recruitment.
The issue gained attention following reports that a recent candidate for a senior management position declined an offer after compensation expectations could not be met.
For many residents struggling with rising utility bills and an increasing cost of living, the prospect of paying substantial salaries and benefits packages to foreign executives has become difficult to justify.
Critics argue that local professionals who already possess institutional knowledge of the company may be able to provide continuity and stability at a lower cost.
A QUESTION OF CONFIDENCE
Beyond salaries and recruitment procedures, the debate ultimately centers on confidence.
Should St. Maarten continue looking outside its borders for leadership solutions, or should it place greater trust in the professionals who have spent decades building careers within the utility?
The current management team includes individuals with decades of experience in electricity generation, water distribution, finance, human resources and infrastructure management.
Many have worked through hurricanes, financial challenges, management changes and the devastating cyberattack that crippled the company in 2022.
For supporters of local leadership, that experience represents an asset that cannot easily be imported.
THE NEXT CHAPTER FOR GEBE
As government prepares to relaunch recruitment for the CEO, CFO and COO positions, the future leadership of GEBE remains uncertain.
What is certain is that the discussion has moved beyond simply filling vacancies.
The debate now touches on broader questions of national development, institutional knowledge, succession planning and confidence in local expertise.
With Arrindell preparing for retirement, Chittick refusing to rule out future possibilities, and public calls growing louder for qualified locals to be given an opportunity, the next recruitment process could become one of the most closely watched in GEBE's history.
For many residents, the question is no longer whether St. Maarten has the talent.
The question is whether that talent will finally be given the opportunity to lead.
