N.V. Gemeenschappelijk Electriciteitsbedrijf Bovenwindse Eilanden (NV GEBE) and the Government of Sint Maarten,
through the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor’s, Division of Labor
Affairs and Social Services (DLASS), announced today the launch of a groundbreaking oneyear pilot program to provide utility bill relief for vulnerable members of the community.
Program Overview
The pilot program will provide up to XCG 50,000 in monthly relief to eligible financial aid
recipients and community members, helping to ease the financial burden of utility costs for
those most in need. Through this collaborative initiative, qualifying individuals can receive
up to XCG 250 per month in utility bill deductions.
"This partnership represents our commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members
of our community," said Mr. Thomas Roggendorf, Transition Manager of NV GEBE. "By
working together with the Government and Social Services, we can make a meaningful
difference in people’s lives during challenging economic times."
How the Program Works
The relief will be administered through a voucher system, with each voucher valued at XCG
50. Eligible members can receive up to five vouchers per month, providing a maximum
monthly relief of XCG 250 on their utility bills. Social Services will determine eligibility
based on their registry of vulnerable community members and will conduct reassessments
every two months to ensure the program reaches those who need it most.
The program allocates:
• XCG 25,000 monthly for existing registered financial aid community members
• XCG 25,000 monthly for new eligible members within the community who apply
through Social Services
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the program, individuals must:
• Be a private person (not a legal entity)
• Have utility bills in their own name as an existing NV GEBE customer
• Be registered with Social Services as a vulnerable member of the community or be
approved as a new eligible member after assessment
• Meet the requirements – as set forth in the National Ordinance on Financial Aid
Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor, Mr. Richinel Brug, emphasized the
importance of this initiative: "This pilot program demonstrates our government’s dedication
to social services and ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens have access to essential
services. We are grateful to NV GEBE for their partnership in this vital community support
effort. I would like to thank drs. Dros-Richardson and the entire staff of Social Services for
their dedication in seeing this pilot program through"
Application Process
Community members interested in the program should contact Social Services to
determine their eligibility. Social Services will handle all assessments and provide qualified
individuals with vouchers that can be redeemed at NV GEBE’s office when making utility bill
payments.
Mrs. Peggy-Ann Dros-Richardson, Division Head of Labor Affairs & Social Services, added:
"We encourage anyone facing financial hardship with their utility costs to reach out to
Social Services. Our team is ready to assess applications and provide support to those who
qualify for this important relief program."
Program Duration
The pilot program will run for one year from the date of implementation, with
implementation date set to be December 1, 2025, with the possibility of extension based
on the program’s success and continued collaboration between the parties. The public is
strongly encouraged to listen out for radio interviews, FAQ sheets and more important
information to be shared in the coming weeks – ahead of December 1, 2025.
Source: Government of Sint Maarten https://www.sintmaartengov.org/news/Pages/NV-GEBE-Partners-with-Government-of-Sint-Maarten-to-Launch-Utility-Relief-Pilot-Program-for-Vulnerable-Community-Members.aspx
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