PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has praised GEBE’s interim leader Iris Arrindell for accepting the responsibility of guiding the utility through difficult circumstances, saying her performance demonstrates the leadership capabilities available within Sint Maarten.
Speaking at the Council of Ministers press briefing on Wednesday, October 14, Mercelina praised Arrindell’s courage, experience, and relationships with both GEBE’s workforce and the community.
His remarks came in response to a question about recruiting permanent executive management, following the temporary arrangement under which the utility is being led.
“We are still working on it, on the recruitment,” Mercelina said, then turned to Arrindell’s contribution.
Experience and community knowledge
The Prime Minister credited Arrindell’s years of service to GEBE and her understanding of the organization as strengths in her leadership.
He said her knowledge of Sint Maarten’s culture and community, along with her working relationships within the utility, helped her take on the role.
“She understands the culture and community of St. Maarten,” Mercelina said.
He also praised her relationship with the public, identifying that connection as an important quality for someone leading an essential service.
For Mercelina, her contribution illustrates why familiarity with the country and its people should carry weight when assessing leadership.
“She is doing a fantastic job”
Mercelina said he had personally approached Arrindell and asked her to assist.
According to the Prime Minister, she accepted a responsibility she was not obliged to take on, despite the challenges facing the utility.
“She didn’t have to do it, and she still did it,” he stated.
He described her work as “fantastic” and said her performance had, at times, made him momentarily forget that a recruitment process was still underway.
That comment reflected his confidence in her current leadership. It did not announce a permanent appointment, and he confirmed that recruitment remains ongoing.
Local leadership deserves recognition
Mercelina used the exchange to challenge the assumption that senior executives must necessarily be recruited from overseas.
He said Arrindell’s willingness to take responsibility and her performance in the role demonstrate local professionals' abilities.
“Our local people can be great also when it comes to assuming responsibility and taking leadership,” he said.
His remarks placed Arrindell’s contribution within a broader discussion about recognizing experience and leadership already present in Sint Maarten.
Praise amid pressure on GEBE
The recognition came during a briefing in which Mercelina also faced questions about GEBE’s fuel clause, consumer relief, new generators and renewable-energy plans.
Those matters remain central to the utility’s relationship with residents and businesses, which depend on reliable and affordable electricity.
While defending GEBE’s efforts under difficult circumstances, the Prime Minister singled out Arrindell for helping lead the company through that period.
He concluded his tribute by looking toward the camera and thanking her directly.
“Mrs. Iris, I make use of this opportunity to look in the camera and thank you for your contribution for St. Maarten,” Mercelina said.